Being America's number one folk hero apparently has its downsides if Luigi Mangione's recent statements are any indication.
Mangione, the accused murderer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has issued a statement begging fans to stop bombarding him with photos, which have been flooding in so intensely he's asked fans to adhere to a five-photo limit from now on.
The statement, which was added to the website about his legal defense, reads:
“Luigi is allowed to receive photos via Shutterfly and FreePrints in accordance with mail procedures while in custody."
"Due to the volume of photos, they could take longer than usual to be screened and shared. Luigi appreciates the photos that are sent and kindly asks that people send no more than five photos at a time."
"Please note that every photo that is received is screened and reviewed by law enforcement.”
Hmm... kinda sounds like the law enforcement officers tasked with going through the photos are the ones asking fans to chill out, but anyway...
Naturally, the internet has had a field day with Mangione's fan mail request, especially on Reddit, where people had many theories about—ahem—what sort of photos he might be receiving.
"No more than 5 😝 like what are people sending."- Deep-Interest9947
"'Please note that every photo that is received is screened and reviewed by law enforcement.'"
"If they have to mention that, I have a feeling he gets spicy photos."- Lexx2k
"He didn’t even say stop altogether. Mans said 'just limit it to five' 😭"- BrooklynNotNy
"And that “please note that all photos you send will be screened by law enforcement” 💀You can continue to send nudes, but know that Detectives Scully and Hitchcock get to see everything, too."- InterestingQuote8155
"He’s putting out a warning that everything people are sending are being recorded and censored. It’s not for him, it’s a warning for those sending him the content."- SwimminginCheddar
"I am sorry this is the funniest thing I've seen all year."- Own-Importance5459
"I’m sure there’s some people that sent hundreds of photos, probably why he’s asking for a five photo limit."
"If scumbags like Richard Ramirez got bombarded with fan mail in prison, I can only imagine how it is for an American Hero like Luigi."- Zealousideal_Tap6214
Just leave the man alone already.
"I get weird about even throwing out holiday cards with peoples kids on them. I dont keep them but feel bad throwing them out. He probably has 100k photos of weird sh*t."- weetpea122
"Is he really getting so many nudes he has to ask yall to slow It down?? Im dead"- daisyymae
"I'll only stop once he sends me one back!"- RogerHRabbit
"I'm about to send that man my top 5 favorite pet pictures."- Lyntho
"Am I the only one who thinks sending nudes to someone who doesn’t know you and didn’t ask for them is weird? 😅 like imagine receiving unsolicited d*ck pics from strangers.. idk maybe guys are built different and wouldn’t mind 😂🤷🏻♀️"- bluebutterfies7
"If people are sending him unsolicited nudes :/ that's upsetting. Just because he's a public figure now doesn't mean the rules of consent fly out the window."- Tye_die
"So this is how he dies. Not executed, but smothered by fan mail"- twinkthattwunks
On February 15, Mangione himself released his first official statement since he was arrested, thanking fans for their support. It read:
"I am overwhelmed by - and grateful for - everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support."
"Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe."
"While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future."
Mangione appeared in a pre-trial hearing last week, but no trial date has yet been set.
His attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo has stated that he intends to fight all charges against him, which include gun, murder and terrorism charges on the federal level and in the states of New York and Pennsylvania.