‘CEO Down’: Taylor Lorenz’s meme after UnitedHealthcare CEO’s assassination sparks anger | World News

Former Washington Post journalist Taylor Lawrence faced backlash after making controversial comments on BlueSky following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Lorenz criticized health insurance executives for perpetuating the suffering, stating, “People have a very justified hatred of insurance company CEOs… I think it’s good to call out this broken system.” She also shared a meme with the Headlined “CEO down” and encouraged peaceful advocacy for universal healthcare.

Mixed reactions online

Lorenz’s comments sparked sharp criticism on both sides. Critics considered her comments inappropriate and trivialized a tragic event. Prominent voices like statistician Nate Silver weighed in, tweeting: “This question assumes something that I’m not sure should be taken for granted.” Others, like legal commentator Legal Phil, called her comments dangerous : “To be honest, this looks like encouragement to murder. Lorenz is not doing well and people in her life need an intervention.”

Right-wing commentator Jordan Kiste compared Lorenz’s treatment at BlueSky to his own experiences, tweeting: “I was banned from BlueSky for declaring that there are only two genders.” Taylor Lorenz incites acts of terrorism, and that’s okay, because she’s on the right team.” Similarly, user Ruxandra Teslo criticized Lorenz’s perceived hypocrisy: “I like how Taylor Lorenz simultaneously thinks that not wearing a mask outside is a serious transgression and posts posts that essentially incite the assassination of insurance company CEOs.”
Others were stunned by Lorenz’s behavior. “I love Taylor Lorenz so much because she spends half her time wishing death on her enemies and the other half complaining about online bullying,” user Jarvis quipped.

The death of Brian Thompson

This undated UnitedHealth Group photo shows Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group via AP)

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside a midtown Manhattan hotel where the company was hosting its annual investor conference. Authorities described the incident as a “premeditated, targeted attack.” Thompson’s wife revealed that he had received threats related to denied insurance claims, which may have been the reason for the attack. Police are still searching for the shooter and are offering a $10,000 reward for information.

Public outcry against the insurance industry

While some condemned Lorenz’s comments, others expressed little sympathy for Thompson, citing UnitedHealthcare’s reputation for denying claims and prioritizing profits. Viral reactions on social media included snarky jokes and references to UnitedHealthcare’s alleged use of flawed algorithms to deny critical care. According to a widely reported statistic, the company’s claim denial rate is twice the industry average.
University of Virginia historian David Austin Walsh noted of Steven Thrasher describes the reactions as “gallows humor” that reflects contempt for the US healthcare system.

The investigations so far

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect wanted in connection with the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

Police described the shooter as a masked person wearing a black jacket and carrying a gray backpack. Surveillance footage suggests the attack was carefully planned. While Thompson’s professional role may have made him a target, authorities have not yet confirmed a motive. Ongoing lawsuits against UnitedHealth Group, including allegations of securities fraud and antitrust violations, have increased scrutiny of the company.

Controversies by Taylor Lorenz

1. Doxxing allegations in the “Libs of TikTok” article.
Taylor Lorenz faced backlash for revealing the identity of the creator behind the controversial “Libs of TikTok” account. Critics accused her of doxxing by disclosing personal information, while Lorenz defended her reporting as being in the public interest and using publicly available information.
2. “War criminal” comment about President Biden
Lorenz called President Biden a “war criminal” in an Instagram post during a White House event. She initially denied the authenticity of the post, but it was later confirmed. The controversy led to an internal review at her employer, followed by her departure to launch a Substack publication.
3. Advice on wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Lorenz, who is known for advocating strict COVID-19 precautions, criticized those who did not wear masks, describing them as “rushing the air.” That remark sparked ridicule and debate about pandemic measures. Lorenz justified her stance based on her health and the importance of continued vigilance.
4. Dispute with Nate Silver over media funding
Lorenz publicly clashed with Nate Silver over the role of media funding and the difficulties Democrats face in creating influential cultural figures like Joe Rogan. The dispute, which centered on social media sharing, highlighted tensions surrounding trust in journalism and the broader media ecosystem.
5. Farewell to The Washington Post and subsequent ventures
After leaving The Washington Post amid controversy, Lorenz announced she was moving to Substack to launch User Mag. She cited her frustration with the constraints of traditional media and her desire for greater freedom to engage with her audience and report on internet culture in a more interactive way.
The controversy highlights deep divisions over health care in the United States and the public’s growing frustration with the for-profit insurance model. While some find the humor distasteful, others see it as an outlet for collective anger over a system that leaves many Americans struggling for basic services. Lorenz’s comments in particular have sparked debates about ethical boundaries in online discourse, with critics accusing her of incitement and supporters describing her as an advocate of systemic injustice. The incident underscores tensions surrounding health care, free speech and the limits of public comment in the digital age.