CNN faced criticism for a segment that some considered ‘insensitive’, featuring a former New York Times reporter characterizing accused murderer, Luigi Mangione, as a ‘morally good man’.

During an interview with CNN host Donie O’Sullivan, influencer Taylor Lorenz defended the suspected killer, highlighting his large following of mainly female fans.

Mangione, 26, is on trial over the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, in December last year.

The murder triggered discussions about the predatory tendencies within the US healthcare system, as prosecutors disclosed that Mangione reportedly committed the crime as a form of protest.

The suspected killer has since been inundated with fan mail and become the subject of memes and even merchandise lauding his alleged actions.

‘You’re gonna see women especially that feel like, ‘oh my God, here’s this man who’s a revolutionary, who’s famous, who’s handsome, who’s young, who’s smart, he’s a person that seems like this morally good man,’ which is hard to find,’ Lorenz said as she attempted to explain Mangione’s appeal.

O’Sullivan was seen chuckling in agreement before asking Lorenz about her response to those condemning the legions of cheerleaders who have shown up to his court hearings so far.

‘It’s hilarious to see these millionaire media pundits on TV clutching their pearls about someone stanning (supporting) a murderer when this is the United States of America — as if we don’t lionize criminals,’ the ex-Washington Post journalist said.

‘As if we don’t stan murderers of all sorts. We give them Netflix shows.’

However, her comments sparked a furious backlash against her and the network.

‘This is insane, what a complete idiot she is,’ one person wrote.

‘CNN is a bad joke of a new org and Lorenz is a nut job. She said Mangione is a ‘morally good man’ which is absurd, as he killed a man in cold blood,’ another said.

‘The more I think about the Donnie O’Sullivan interview with Taylor Lorenz the more astonished I am that they were laughing when talking about a guy who shot a man in the back in cold blood,’ a third person fumed. 

Thompson was gunned down in the early hours of December 4 2024 as he was walking to a conference at the New York Hilton Midtown. He left behind two teenage sons.

Mangione was arrested in a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania after a multi-day manhunt for the suspect. 

He denies the charges, and say he was ensnared by police who tricked him into giving his DNA.

Despite the cold-blooded nature of the crime, hoards of fans have flocked to Mangione’s defense and even set up a fund to cover his fees.

Ahead of the accused killer’s 27th birthday, his supporters are urging people to  

Luigi Mangione fans have organized a ‘special’ donation fund for the accused CEO shooter’s 27th birthday donate $27 as a ‘nice surprise and gift from us to him.’

Their goal is to take his controversial fundraising total from $745,000 where it currently stands, to $1million.

His fans range from those who think he is innocent, to those who believe he’s guilty and love him for it. 

The fundraising effort is the latest in a series of unhinged and unbridled support for the defendant.

The public gushing began when Luigi was named as the suspect and his mugshot went viral, with many fawning over his good looks. 

Since then, fans have made art depicting him as ‘Saint’ Mangione.

The accused was allegedly found with a 9-millimeter pistol and silencer, clothing that matched the apparel worn by the shooter in surveillance footage, and a notebook describing an intent to ‘wack’ an insurance company CEO, according to court filings.

He was shipped back from Pennsylvania to the Big Apple for the murder trial.