The Mangione Trial

The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shocked corporate America and triggered a major rethink of how business leaders are protected. But has the shooting fundamentally changed the corporate security industry?

In this episode, host Jordan Dunbar explores the growing demand for executive protection in the wake of one of the most closely watched criminal cases in the United States.

The episode provides a rare insight into the world of corporate security, from risk assessments and protective intelligence to the day-to-day realities of safeguarding CEOs and other high-profile executives. It also explores how social media, public sentiment and greater access to personal information have transformed the risks facing business leaders.

As concerns about executive safety continue to grow, the discussion asks how companies balance cost, privacy and protection, and whether a single high-profile case has accelerated a wider shift in how organisations think about security.

From bodyguards and threat analysts to corporate risk teams, how has the business of protecting powerful people changed in the aftermath of the Mangione case?

Luigi Mangione's federal guilty plea has triggered a new legal battle: can New York state still put him on trial?

In this episode, Jordan Dunbar speaks to former assistant district attorney Gary Galperin and defence attorney Todd Spodek about the defence's attempt to dismiss the state case using New York's double jeopardy laws.

They explain what Mangione admitted to in federal court, why his lawyers may have chosen this moment to plead guilty, and why legal experts disagree over whether the state prosecution can continue.

The discussion also examines what happens if the double jeopardy motion fails, whether a jury trial is still likely, and what the defence could realistically argue given Mangione's admissions in court.

Along with an update on the latest developments in the Mangione case, in this episode Jordan Dunbar explores the idea of "pretty privilege" and the role appearance may play in shaping public perception, media attention and even courtroom outcomes.

Through interviews with a criminal defence attorney and BBC journalists, the episode examines whether attractiveness can influence how defendants are viewed by jurors and the public. The discussion unpacks first impressions, bias and decision-making, while exploring research into how physical appearance can affect perceptions of people's trustworthiness, intelligence and guilt.

The programme also looks beyond the courtroom to examine global debates around beauty standards, social media and image culture, including the intense reaction to the Mangione case in Brazil.

Through this episode Jordan asks whether "pretty privilege" is a real social advantage, or a far more complicated phenomenon.

Luigi Mangione appears in federal court to plead guilty to killing health insurance CEO Brian Thompson. Jordan Dunbar has the latest developments after a last minute hearing was called in New York.

We find out more about at what happened in court, what the reaction has been and discuss what happens next.

Mangione still faces charges at state level, so what impact does Mangione's change in plea mean for the upcoming state trial?

Since the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the case against Luigi Mangione has become about more than just the evidence that will be tested in court. Across politics, social media and the news media, competing groups have sought to frame the story through their own lens, linking it to debates about left-wing violence, Antifa, healthcare, political extremism and public anger at powerful institutions.

In this episode, BBC journalist and extremism expert Mike Wendling helps untangle the claims, examining what terms such as "far left" and "Antifa" actually mean, why some commentators have associated them with the case, and what evidence exists about Mangione's political views. The episode also explores how a high-profile criminal case can become a political symbol, even when the facts are disputed and a trial has yet to take place.

Host Jordan Dunbar also looks at parallels from Japan following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, asking how public reactions to shocking acts of violence can evolve into wider debates about social grievances, political division and systemic change.

Luigi Mangione denies all charges against him. So how did a murder case become a culture war, and what happens when politics starts shaping the story before a jury hears the evidence?

Jordan Dunbar will be back with new episodes dropping from tomorrow leading up to trial, looking at issues surrounding the Luigi Mangione case.

Nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur was fatally shot on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada prosecutors are preparing for the trial of the only person ever charged in connection with the rapper’s death.

If you enjoy this episode, you can find more episodes of Fame Under Fire on BBC Sounds. If you’re outside the UK, you can listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty

Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a federal judge has ruled.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.

This podcast takes a step back to unpick the facts and conspiracies, and we'll explain what happens in court. If you have heard of a claim you want us to fact check, or a question for us to tackle, email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp: 0330 678 33 63

A marathon three weeks of pre-trial hearing has just ended in Luigi Mangione’s New York state trial - what have we learnt?

The defence have been arguing over what evidence should be kept out of the upcoming state trial for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan in December 2024.

This includes statements made to the police during Mangione’s arrest, items found on him and in his backpack.

Judge Carro will decide what will be shown to the jury when the trial is eventually scheduled which could have big implications for the case.

Jordan Dunbar is joined from New York by Terri Austin former trial attorney and Matthew Lee Senior Reporter at Inner City Press to discuss the key moments in the case and what new information has come to light.

In addition to the New York state criminal proceedings, Mangione also faces federal murder charges, which could lead to the death penalty.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

This podcast takes a step back to unpick the facts and conspiracies, and we'll explain what happens in court. If you have heard of a claim you want us to fact check, or a question for us to tackle, email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp: 0330 678 33 63

This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates.

During the hearing on Tuesday the judge ruled that trial hearings would begin on 1 December.

Got a claim you want us to fact check?

Email: [email protected] or WhatsApp: +44 330 678 33 63

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