Chris Rock stirred controversy during his Saturday Night Live monologue when he joked about the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a case involving Luigi Mangione, who has been charged with the killing. While expressing condolences for the victim and his family, Rock took aim at society’s double standards, quipping, “If he looked like Jonah Hill, no one would care. They’d already given him the chair.” His punchline, “Sometimes drug dealers get shot,” drew mixed reactions from the live audience.
Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, pleaded not guilty and remains in custody while facing additional charges. Rock’s comments highlighted the public’s fascination with Mangione’s looks and upbringing rather than focusing solely on the crime. Despite some backlash, the comedian’s remarks prompted discussions about media bias and societal perceptions in high-profile cases.
Rock also used his monologue to address other topics, including Donald Trump’s re-election and controversial figures in American history. His humor, while polarizing, sparked debate about the line between comedy and sensitivity in addressing serious events.
The response to Rock’s jokes has been divided, with some praising his fearless approach to current events and others condemning it as inappropriate given the tragedy. This moment underscores the balancing act comedians face when tackling heavy subjects on national platforms.
