Viral Skateboarding Video of Luigi Mangione Debunked as Fake
3 min read
Jeff Swensen/Getty Images
Social media was set ablaze on December 16, 2024, when a video surfaced claiming to show Luigi Mangione, the prime suspect in the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s assassination, performing impressive skateboarding tricks. Shared on X by an account dedicated to the 26-year-old, the footage featured a man in a black jacket and blue jeans skillfully skating through a parking lot and leaping over a fence. The caption read:
“Cultural Touchstone Luigi Mangione stuns in newly discovered footage displaying his incredible skateboarding skills!”
The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 1.3 million views, 27,000 likes, and nearly 2,000 reposts. Fans were in awe of the alleged display of talent, with some claiming that Luigi’s persona kept getting “cooler.” However, Community Notes on X swiftly debunked the claim, clarifying that the individual in the clip was not Luigi Mangione but professional skateboarder Guy Azulay.
A new video of Luigi Mangione showing off his skateboarding skills resurfaces pic.twitter.com/LUjiAegJVb
— kira 👾 (@kirawontmiss) December 16, 2024
Netizens React: Admiration and Controversy
The viral post sparked a flurry of reactions, with many users expressing both admiration and disbelief. Comments ranged from playful banter to critical remarks about the sudden glorification of Mangione:
“HOW DOES HE KEEP GETTING COOLER BRO,” exclaimed one fan.
“This is professional skater stuff,” another wrote, impressed by the skills showcased in the clip.
Is this AI???
— Jack Menshaw (@JackMenshaw) December 16, 2024
That looked impossible…
However, not everyone was on board with the hype. Some criticized the romanticization of a man accused of murder:
“People need to stop making a guy like him relevant. Dude shot a guy and gained a following haha,” commented one user.
“Stop glorifying a murderer,” echoed another.
A handful of users joked about the situation, questioning whether the video was filmed before Luigi’s reported back surgery or suggesting it might have been part of a “side quest” while evading custody.
dude had a bright future ngl sucks how the healthcare system in the US is so flawed
— trax 🐍 (@traxstarrr) December 16, 2024
The Truth Behind the Video
Despite the buzz, the truth about the video was soon uncovered. Community Notes on X identified the skateboarder as Guy Azulay, a professional athlete. The clip, originally posted on Azulay’s Instagram account three days before it went viral on X, credited Trevor Dare as the videographer. The Instagram post, like the one on X, attracted significant attention, with many users initially mistaking Guy for Luigi.
Social Media’s Fascination with Luigi Mangione
The viral video is just the latest chapter in the internet’s fascination with Luigi Mangione. Since his arrest on December 9, 2024, for allegedly assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Luigi has become a polarizing figure. From memes to investigative threads, every new piece of information about him has added fuel to his internet notoriety.
While some see the viral skateboarding clip as part of the growing Luigi lore, others urge caution, reminding netizens of the gravity of the allegations against him. The video, though captivating, serves as a reminder of how easily social media can blur the lines between reality and myth.
In the end, one thing is certain: Luigi Mangione was not the man skateboarding in the video. That honor belongs to Guy Azulay, whose skills deserve their own spotlight amidst the swirling frenzy of misinformation.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
