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Ahead of the looming U.S. TikTok ban, new American users of Chinese-owned app RedNote are discovering that Chinese users are fascinated by Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December.
Entering the first name "Luigi" on the app reveals hundreds of posts of fan edits, cosplay, viral tributes, and even makeup tutorials dedicated to the alleged killer who some view as a vigilante folk hero. Mangione has entered a not guilty plea to all charges.
Newsweek has reached out to RedNote for comment via email.
Why It Matters
RedNote, known in China as Xiaohongshu, has been downloaded by hundreds of thousands of Americans in recent days ahead of the looming ban of popular social media app TikTok, which will reportedly cease its U.S. operations on Sunday.
What To Know
Mangione, accused of killing Thompson and indicted on terrorism charges, has inspired a cultural phenomenon among Chinese users of RedNote, with users celebrating his image in posts and comments.
In one post, user STONE美研社（收徒) created a makeup tutorial, showing users how to create an authentic "Luigi imitation."
In another post, user NegativeONE drew fanart depicting Mangione smiling in a suit, eating an apple, and frowning in his orange prison jumpsuit.
In another post, user 山羊荣荣🍔👑1.7km created a latte art in the froth of a cup of coffee depicting Mangione's face.
In another post, user 敖夜｜AoYe posted a video showing a series of images, appearing to be generated by artificial intelligence, depicting a manacled, jumpsuit-wearing Mangione alongside Batman in Gotham City.
Another user showed their mobile phone case, emblazoned with the now famous image of Mangione being escorted by a squadron of machine-gun-wielding police officers in New York City, on December 19, 2024.
Rednote's growing U.S. audience is driven by TikTok creators seeking a new home amid the app's uncertain future.
RedNote has gained over 500,000 new U.S. users this week alone, topping the U.S. Apple App Store. The platform's global version, accessible in both China and the U.S., has resulted in an influx of English-speaking "TikTok refugees," interacting with the predominantly Chinese Mandarin-speaking users.
What People Are Saying
Since Thompson's death, there has been an outpouring of anger and resentment toward the insurance industry over denied medical claims, with critics arguing that the suspected shooter was justified in his actions. Several RedNote users echo this sentiment.
RedNote user Huagui, commenting on the app: "We think he [Mangione] is a hero of American people."
RedNote user TWitch, in the same comment thread: "We love heroes and he's hot."
What Happens Next
As TikTok's ban approaches, RedNote's popularity is expected to grow, potentially solidifying its position as a global platform. Mangione's high-profile murder trial is set to begin in February.
About the writer
Flynn Nicholls is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on U.S. politics and society. Originally ... Read more