Roxane Gay, a professor at Rutgers University and artist-in-residence at Harvard Medical School, called for the release of Luigi Mangione during a panel discussion at Harvard on Wednesday. The panel, which examined the intersection of fatness and healthcare, was focused on the way medical professionals treat overweight patients.
Gay made the comment when the discussion turned to the health insurance industry. She stated, "Free Luigi, for one," and went on to describe the industry as "equal opportunity evil." Gay's comment was met with criticism, with some arguing that Mangione's actions, which led to the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, were unjustifiable.
Mangione pleaded guilty in August to federal stalking charges resulting in death and is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in December. He also faces charges in New York state court. Gay's comment has sparked backlash, with some calling for her to be held accountable for her remarks.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Gay defended her comments, stating that she was expressing frustration with the health insurance industry. She argued that the industry is more focused on profit than providing necessary healthcare, and that Mangione should be treated for his mental health issues rather than being incarcerated.
Gay also condemned the killing of Brian Thompson and expressed her desire for the American health insurance system to evolve into a single-payer system, providing universal healthcare.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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