Billboard Fund: Luigi Mangione and the U.S. Healthcare System

PoPNYC, in collaboration with grassroots organizations, activists, and concerned citizens, is fundraising for a billboard campaign to challenge the media narrative surrounding Luigi Mangione and the devastating failures of the U.S. healthcare system.

Each year, 68,000 Americans die due to lack of access to healthcare, while companies like UnitedHealth Group—currently facing a lawsuit over using an AI algorithm with a 90% error rate—rake in record-breaking profits. Instead of exposing these exploitative practices, mainstream media has consistently protected corporate interests. CEOs are given platforms, while those who challenge the system are dismissed as “fans.” There’s active suppression of support on social media (even our poster calling for “Healthcare Reform and Justice for Luigi Mangione” was blocked from being shared on TikTok).

At the same time as the media diverts attention away from the healthcare crisis, their framing of Luigi Mangione is deeply alarming. With his trial still pending, he has been the subject of multiple specials like TMZ’s “Mind of a Killer” and ABC’s “Manhunt.” NYC Mayor Eric Adams and prosecutors leaked vital evidence from the active investigation to be used by HBO while withholding it from his defense team.

We are watching a case being contaminated in real-time by political and corporate agendas. Without public pressure and accountability, there is a real risk that due process will be eclipsed by sensationalism. This could set a dangerous precedent—one in which the courts serve as enforcers of corporate-driven interests rather than upholders of justice.

Put simply: Luigi Mangione may be executed without ever receiving a fair trial.

Our goal is to counter this corporate-driven narrative with billboard trucks and other visual media to bring public attention back to those who should really be on trial: the for-profit health insurance industry that denies Americans life-saving care.

All funds raised will go directly to paying for mobile advertizing and other visual media in the NYC area, with a focus on Luigi Mangione’s trial in order to maximize publicity. Messaging will focus on the following key issues:

HEALTHCARE

Use of AI and high rates of denials in the insurance industry

Deaths of patients, bankruptcies, and medical debt

Individuals’ stories about how insurance has impacted them

Prioritization of profits over people

JUSTICE

Infringement on Luigi Mangione’s legal rights to a fair trial and due process

Corporate influence tipping the scales of the legal system

Politicized use of the death penalty

A two-tiered system of justice for the poor and the wealthy

Use of terrorism charges to quell dissent

Please direct questions to info@popnyc.org

If you have graphics, media, or other content with messaging that you think would fit on one of our billboards, contact info@popnyc.org