Colin Jost Reacts To ‘SNL’ Audience’s Love For Luigi Mangione

“Saturday Night Live” host Colin Jost appeared visibly stunned when the studio audience erupted in cheers after he mentioned Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, during the show’s “Weekend Update” segment on December 21.

Mangione is currently facing federal charges alongside a New York state murder indictment related to Thompson’s death. Despite the charges, he rapidly amassed a polarizing fan base online, with many social media users expressing conflicted admiration for the murder suspect, often focusing on his “hot” appearance.

Colin Jost, who is married to actress Scarlett Johansson, seemed caught off guard when the audience responded with enthusiastic applause upon hearing Luigi Mangione’s name.

After the audience applauded, Jost, who looked around unsure how to react to the applause, eventually said, “Yeah… definitely woo.”

“You’re wooing for justice, right?” he asked.

He went on to continue the joke, delivering the punchline: “Luigi Mangione dropped his extradition fight and was flown from Pennsylvania to New York to face multiple charges. In related news, Bumble exploded.”

According to The Independent, as of Thursday morning, Luigi Mangione had reportedly received 54 emails, 87 pieces of mail, and 163 deposits into his commissary account—an inmate fund used to purchase items while incarcerated. While a spokesperson confirmed the volume of support, they declined to disclose the total amount of money currently in Mangione’s account.

On December 4, 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was tragically shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan, where he had been attending an investor event. The shocking incident reverberated through corporate and political circles, sparking concerns about security measures and the motives behind such a calculated attack.

A nationwide manhunt for Mangione followed, lasting five days until his capture in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Upon his arrest, authorities discovered a 3D-printed firearm, a silencer, fake identification documents, and a handwritten manifesto. The manifesto reportedly detailed Mangione’s deep resentment toward the health insurance industry, offering a glimpse into a potential motive.

This isn’t the first time Luigi Mangione has been mentioned on “Saturday Night Live.”

“We got Luigi … you know. And that’s good. I really feel sorry for the family. I mean, everybody is fixated on how good this guy looks,” Rock said. “If he looked like Jonah Hill no one would care. They’d already given him the chair already. He’d be dead, OK?”

The joke seemingly refers to the comparison of Mangione to Jonah Hill’s “21 Jump Street” co-star Dave Franco, and his brother, James Franco.

Last week, Colin Jost highlighted the irony of the suspected shooter’s apparent anger toward corporate America, yet still choosing to visit a Starbucks and McDonald’s.

“They found a note on [Mangione] expressing anger at corporate America,” Jost said. “Yet he went to Starbucks before the shooting and then was caught at McDonald’s.”

He then delivered the punchline, “So perhaps his greatest crime was hypocrisy.”

Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges in a New York state court on Monday.

During his arraignment, Mangione faced 11 state-level charges, including murder as an act of terrorism. Alongside these charges, he also faces federal allegations of stalking and murder, offenses that could potentially result in the death penalty if convicted.

Prosecutors claim Mangione shot Thompson in the heart of Manhattan before fleeing the scene. After an extensive manhunt, authorities apprehended him at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.

Mangione appeared in court wearing a maroon sweater, a white-collared shirt, and khaki trousers. The courtroom was packed with journalists and members of the public, including a notable number of young women. Some attendees reportedly told CBS, the BBC’s U.S. partner, that they were present to show their support for the defendant.