Websites are pulling merchandise linked to alleged killer Luigi Mangione who has turned into “some sort of folk hero” since his arrest. 

Last week, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead in New York City and yesterday, Mr Mangione was charged with his murder. 

The New York Police Department said it appeared that Mr Mangione bore "some ill-will towards corporate America".

On Newstalk Breakfast, Business Editor Joe Lynam said the widespread antipathy towards the US healthcare industry has led some people to sympathise with Mr Mangione. 

“Allegedly on the bullet used were the words, ‘Deny, defend and depose,’” Joe said. 

“It is believed that that was inspired by a book from about 14-years ago about the insurance industry called Delay, Defend, Deny - Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims And What You Can Do About It. 

“This has turned him into a kind of anti-hero.” 

Luigi Mangione. Picture by: NY Department of Corrections.

People began ordering t-shirts, jumpers and other merchandise emblazoned with those words - until big corporations pulled the items. 

“This merchandise has been rapidly removed from Amazon but also on Etsy, eBay, TikTok,” Joe said. 

“[It’s] the anti-hero cult worship of a guy who [allegedly] shot a guy in cold blood.” 

Luigi Mangione. Image by: X.

Many of Mr Mangione’s photos - including his mug shot - have gone viral, with many people commenting on how attractive they find him. 

“Even in today’s Daily Mail there was a female journalist saying she fancies this guy,” Joe said. 

“He’s also from a very wealthy family. 

“Went to an Ivy League University - a very expensive university in the United States - and he’s now turning into some sort of folk hero.” 

After a court appearance yesterday, Mr Mangione’s lawyer said his client would plead not guilty to murder.

Main images shows a split of Luigi Mangione and merchandise with his image.