Fashion designer Marc Jacobs is facing significant criticism on social media after stating he would be willing to style Luigi Mangione, the man who pleaded guilty to murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The comments were made during a segment for Vanity Fair where Jacobs was administered a lie detector test.
When asked if he would style Mangione, 28, for his upcoming state trial in New York, Jacobs, 63, responded affirmatively. He also commented that Mangione, the admitted killer, "looks pretty good the way he dresses, actually," and agreed that Mangione could be considered a fashion trendsetter, noting Nordstrom sold out of burgundy sweaters after Mangione wore one.
These remarks drew swift condemnation from users on X, formerly Twitter, who accused Jacobs of being out of touch and insensitive. Many expressed anger that the designer would consider styling a convicted murderer, especially given the violent nature of the crime. One user wrote, "Hopefully Marc Jacobs will never have a loved one shot in the back by a deranged killer." Another stated, "You'd dress a man who killed a father of two children in broad daylight and then plead guilty and admitted it was planned ..... shameful as hell hope you rethink this and retract."
Some commentators criticized the focus on celebrity and wealth in the discussion, arguing it detracted from the human element of the crime. One user suggested a transactional coldness, similar to how they perceive UnitedHealthcare's approach to health, was being applied to fashion. Others vowed to boycott Jacobs's brand.
Mangione, 28, pleaded guilty last week to stalking and killing Thompson, 52, outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024. U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald stated in a news release that Mangione admitted to the crime and emphasized that no grievance or cause justifies murder. Mangione's legal team is reportedly seeking to have the case dismissed on grounds of double jeopardy.
The state murder trial, initially slated to begin September 8, was postponed indefinitely by Judge Gregory Carro. A deadline of October 9 was set for prosecutors to respond to Mangione's legal arguments, with a hearing scheduled for December 10. Mangione is scheduled for sentencing in his federal case on December 18, where prosecutors intend to seek a life sentence.
