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The Mangione Trial

The Mangione Trial

BBC World Service 16 Episodes Aug 18, 2026

This podcast from the BBC World Service investigates the case of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York. It explores why Mangione went viral on social media, the conspiracy theories that emerged, and the public's fascination with the accused. BBC reporters provide updates and analysis on major developments in the case, while also examining broader issues such as the US health industry and attitudes toward capitalism.

Episodes

'Pretty privilege': Is it real?
'Pretty privilege': Is it real? Aug 18, 2026 1755 Along with an update on the latest developments in the Mangione case, in this episode Jordan Dunbar explores the idea of "pretty privilege" and the role appearance may play in shaping public perception, media attention and even courtroom outcomes.Through interviews with a criminal defence attorney and BBC journalists, the episode examines whether attractiveness can influence how defendants are vie
Luigi Mangione admits killing healthcare boss
Luigi Mangione admits killing healthcare boss Aug 14, 2026 1120 Luigi Mangione appears in federal court to plead guilty to killing health insurance CEO Brian Thompson. Jordan Dunbar has the latest developments after a last minute hearing was called in New York. We find out more about at what happened in court, what the reaction has been and discuss what happens next.Mangione still faces charges at state level, so what impact does Mangione's change in plea mea
How a murder case fuelled a culture war
How a murder case fuelled a culture war Aug 11, 2026 1672 Since the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the case against Luigi Mangione has become about more than just the evidence that will be tested in court. Across politics, social media and the news media, competing groups have sought to frame the story through their own lens, linking it to debates about left-wing violence, Antifa, healthcare, political extremism and public anger at powe
Brand new episodes launch ahead of trial
Brand new episodes launch ahead of trial Aug 10, 2026 73 Jordan Dunbar will be back with new episodes dropping from tomorrow leading up to trial, looking at issues surrounding the Luigi Mangione case.
The Tupac Trial - from Fame Under Fire
The Tupac Trial - from Fame Under Fire Aug 6, 2026 1550 Nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur was fatally shot on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada prosecutors are preparing for the trial of the only person ever charged in connection with the rapper’s death. Duane “Keffe D” Davis has pleaded not guilty to murder and denies the allegations against him. But Keffe D is not accused of firing the fatal shots. So how can prosecutors seek to convict him of murder?
Mangione won’t face death penalty
Mangione won’t face death penalty Jan 30, 2026 1304 Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a federal judge has ruled. US District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed the federal firearms charges against Mangione. These had carried the possibility of the death penalty. Judge Garnett left in place charges against Mangione that can still bring a maximum punishment of life in prison.
Court update: The battle over evidence
Court update: The battle over evidence Dec 19, 2025 1230 A marathon three weeks of pre-trial hearing has just ended in Luigi Mangione’s New York state trial - what have we learnt?The defence have been arguing over what evidence should be kept out of the upcoming state trial for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan in December 2024.This includes statements made to the police during Mangione’s arrest, items found on him and in h
Court update: Mangione terror charges dropped
Court update: Mangione terror charges dropped Sep 16, 2025 696 This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates. A judge in New York state has dismissed two terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. However, Judge Gregory Carro ruled a charge of second-degree murder against Mangione could stand. The judge also rejected th
Politics and appearance: Mangione's supporters explained
Politics and appearance: Mangione's supporters explained May 14, 2025 1641 A deep dive into the supporters of Luigi Mangione, featuring some exclusive new data, and considering how this case might be influencing US social attitudes to political violence. BBC World Service Disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield joins us to discuss why some people around the world have taken to this case so passionately. We’re also joined by Joel Finkelstein, from the Network Contagion
Behind the memes: Luigi Mangione and Brian Thompson
Behind the memes: Luigi Mangione and Brian Thompson May 7, 2025 1511 A deep dive into the lives of Luigi Mangione and the man he is accused of murdering – healthcare executive Brian Thompson. Who is the real Luigi Mangione and what do we know about his alleged victim? BBC reporter Mike Wendling joins us from Chicago to tell us more about the health insurance CEO Brian Thompson, who was gunned down outside a New York hotel. In his first broadcast interview, a
The Mangione conspiracy theories
The Mangione conspiracy theories Apr 30, 2025 2010 Pokemon, number 286, eyebrow length – we explore the popularity of conspiracy theories and where they come from. This episode unpicks some of these theories and why they spread on platforms like TikTok and Reddit. Over three million posts went up on social media the week after the shooting of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the arrest of suspect Luigi Mangione in December 2024. While the man
Court update: Mangione’s plea
Court update: Mangione’s plea Apr 25, 2025 989 This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates. Luigi Mangione enters his pleas to all federal charges over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mr Thompson, a father of two, was gunned down outside a Manhattan hotel late last year. Mangione faces four federal charges - murder, using a weapon with a sile

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