“What do you get when you cross a mentally ill loner with a society that abandons him and treats him like trash? You get what you deserve.”
This haunting line from Joker, delivered by Joaquin Phoenix‘s Arthur Fleck, has found an unsettling parallel in real life following the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan. The event, a violent and targeted attack, has ignited not only police investigations but also a tidal wave of public reaction, revealing the profound anger and frustration many Americans feel toward the for-profit healthcare system Thompson came to symbolize.
“How About Another Joke, Murray?”
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Thompson, CEO of the nation’s largest health insurer, was fatally shot in what authorities describe as a “targeted attack.” Under his leadership, UnitedHealthcare faced significant criticism for practices such as denying 32% of in-network claims for individual health plans—double the industry average—and allegedly using flawed AI algorithms to deny necessary care. These actions have been accused of leading to delayed treatments and financial ruin for patients.
Polarised Social Media
The public’s reaction to Thompson’s murder has been deeply polarized, reflecting widespread anger toward the healthcare system. Social media platforms like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit have been inundated with gallows humor and unsympathetic comments, often framing the incident as karmic justice. Viral posts include a TikTok video captioned, “When you deny care, karma doesn’t require pre-authorization,” and memes on X such as, “UnitedHealthcare: Denied care, denied sympathy. Poetic justice.” On Reddit, users echoed sentiments of justice, with comments like, “Guess even CEOs can’t buy insurance to protect them from public outrage.”
Journalist Taylor Lorenz added to the controversy with a meme captioned “CEO down” on BlueSky, alongside remarks criticizing insurance executives and advocating for universal healthcare. While she called for peaceful change, her comments were met with backlash, with some accusing her of trivializing the tragedy and inciting violence. Broader public sentiment revealed a mix of bitterness and outrage, with Facebook and YouTube commenters highlighting systemic failures in healthcare. Posts like “This is what happens when you prioritize profits over people’s lives” and “The system killed us first” reflected the frustration many feel, seeing Thompson’s death as emblematic of a broken system.
Polarizing Reactions Highlight Systemic Failures
These dark and sometimes celebratory reactions reveal how deeply personal and pervasive healthcare issues are in the United States. Many people feel trapped in a system that prioritizes profits over their well-being, and for them, Thompson’s murder feels less like a tragedy and more like a grim symbol of long-overdue accountability.
However, critics of these reactions warn that celebrating violence, no matter the context, can set a dangerous precedent. They argue that such sentiments risk normalizing aggression as a means of addressing systemic problems and detract from constructive efforts to achieve healthcare reform.
A Symbol of a Broken System
Thompson’s murder has become emblematic of the broader healthcare crisis in the United States. The U.S. remains one of the few developed countries without universal healthcare, leaving millions to navigate an expensive and convoluted insurance system. Private insurers like UnitedHealthcare are often seen as prioritizing profits over people, leading to widespread resentment.
Moving Forward: Addressing the Root Causes
The visceral reactions to Thompson’s death underscore the urgency of addressing systemic inequities in healthcare. Advocates for reform are calling for universal healthcare and stricter regulations on insurance companies. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the societal consequences of a healthcare system that leaves millions underserved and overcharged.
