Piers Morgan is speaking out against the controversial audience response to a “Weekend Update” joke about Luigi Mangione.
During last night’s “Weekend Update” segment, when host Colin Jost mentioned Mangione, the prime suspect charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the crowd immediately erupted into cheers, prompting figures like Morgan to criticize the show.
While Jost looked uncomfortable at the crowd’s reaction, unable to finish his sentence, he reacted sarcastically by saying: “You’re wooing for justice, right?”
Morgan took to Twitter to express his disapproval, writing: “So disgusting… and Colin Jost just smirks away as if it’s all one big giggle. Shameful moment for SNL.”
Jennifer Sey, an author and business executive, also criticized the audience’s reaction on social media. On Twitter, she wrote: “The SNL audience must be the dumbest group of pathetic woke conformists known to man. Here they cheer for a silver spoon/trust funder murdering a stranger with some deranged Robin Hood ‘I’m a hero’ story. Audience is moronic. And evil.”
Right-wing accounts have also spoken out against the moment. Stephen Miller, president-elect Donald J. Trump’s homeland security advisor, shared the video on Twitter, calling it “Revolting. Sickening. Vile.”
Mangione being mentioned on “SNL” is part of the media and world’s current fascination with him. Since his arrest, Mangione has become viral, with many intrigued by his Ivy League background and manifesto criticizing the healthcare industry’s policies.
This isn’t the first time “SNL” has mentioned Mangione in a segment. During a previous episode, Sarah Sherman joked about him becoming a sex symbol, attracting attention from women and gay individuals.
Mangione is set to appear in court in New York tomorrow. Currently, he is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center.
