In a controversial move, Ohio-based death metal band Sanguisugabogg has released merchandise featuring a parody design related to the recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The band unveiled a t-shirt featuring Luigi from Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. franchise, depicting the character shooting Bowser (portrayed as Thompson) with text reading "Free Luigi." The merchandise release comes after the arrest of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who is charged with first-degree murder in Thompson's December 4 shooting death in Manhattan.
Adding to the controversy, the band posted a satirical alibi for Mangione on social media, claiming he was helping them load equipment and perform at a show in California at the time of the murder. "Free Luigi who on December 4th around 6 AM helped us load our trailer," the band wrote in their post, which included a photoshopped image featuring Mangione.
The t-shirts are being sold for $30 through Dead As Shirts, though sales are limited to U.S. customers only. Band vocalist Devin Swank has since clarified that the merchandise is not official band merchandise, stating "It's not a Sanguisugabogg shirt... the bogg logo isn't even on it and it's no different than a meme."
The case has sparked widespread discussion about healthcare coverage in America, with Thompson's death drawing attention to criticisms of health insurance companies' coverage denial practices. Mangione currently remains in custody in Pennsylvania while fighting extradition to New York to face murder charges.
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