Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show – Interview with Touré on Media vs. Public Reaction to Luigi Mangione’s Murder

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Stephen A. Smith Show
• Host/Author: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: Interview Only: Stephen A discusses with Touré the media vs public's reaction to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO.
• Release Date: December 20, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith engages in a thought-provoking conversation with veteran music and pop culture journalist Touré. The primary focus of their discussion centers on the controversial murder of Luigi Mangione, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, and the divergent reactions from the media and the public.

Discussion on Luigi Mangione's Murder

Stephen A. Smith’s Stance

Stephen A. Smith opens the dialogue by expressing his unequivocal condemnation of Mangione’s actions. He states:

“If that is him, he is guilty of cold blooded murder. Shooting Brian Thompson, the former CEO of United Healthcare. I mean, shooting him in the back, murdering him. This is not somebody that should be celebrated.”
[02:53]

Smith underscores the gravity of the crime, emphasizing that such an act should not be glorified under any circumstances.

Touré’s Perspective

Touré responds by framing Mangione’s murder within the broader context of corporate malfeasance. He contends that while Mangione acted out violently, his actions were a response to systemic issues within UnitedHealthcare. Touré explains:

“We cannot have a conversation about Luigi without talking about what Brian Thompson and United Health Eric have doing. And the murders, plural, that they have been responsible for for many, many years.”
[03:25]

He argues that Mangione’s act was a form of political statement against an industry that, in his view, perpetuates harm for profit.

Public and Media Reactions

Media Critique

Touré accuses prominent media figures and outlets of condemning Mangione without addressing the underlying issues. He states:

“I felt like you were kind of scolding us, the masses, for seeing value in Luigi and what he did.”
[02:53]

He highlights a perceived disconnect between media narratives and the sentiments of a significant portion of the public, suggesting that the media overlooks the reasons behind Mangione’s drastic actions.

Public Sentiment

The conversation delves into the surprising level of public support for Mangione’s actions. Touré mentions:

“When millions of people are celebrating somebody for bringing pain like that to the healthcare industry, you have to say, why is it that so many people agree with his action and are cheering on his action?”
[13:36]

Smith counters by clarifying the statistics, noting that the reported 41% support originates from surveys of individuals under 30:

“41% of under 30. Okay, that's 41%, you're right.”
[08:04]

Despite the significant portion of younger individuals showing approval, Smith remains concerned about the societal implications.

Societal Implications of Celebrating Violence

Smith expresses deep apprehension about the normalization of celebrating violence, regardless of the perpetrator's grievances:

“I still can't sit up there when I see a man get shot in the back, gunned down and gunned down in the Streets shot in the back, murdered wife’s a widower, children no longer a father, and think that that's a cause for celebration.”
[08:15]

He questions the ethical foundations of a society that accepts or even encourages violent retribution against corporate figures, warning of the potential for escalating violence.

Touré, however, contextualizes Mangione’s actions as part of a broader pattern of societal violence and corporate abuse, stating:

“There is no serial killer that you could name who is responsible for more deaths than United Health Care. So now Luigi took it on himself to bring pain to the head of United Health Care.”
[09:30]

He posits that Mangione’s act was a targeted strike against a perceived systemic evil, rather than a random act of violence.

Broader Healthcare Industry Critique

Systemic Issues

Touré shifts the focus to the practices of UnitedHealthcare, criticizing the company for:

• Denying a significant portion of claims, leading to preventable deaths.
• Prioritizing profit over patient care.
• Betraying both uninsured and insured individuals by withholding necessary support.

He asserts:

“We need far greater regulation on the healthcare system. That is the core issue in this conversation.”
[10:29]

Corporate Accountability

Smith acknowledges the systemic problems but remains cautious about endorsing violent responses:

“There's no doubt about that. So I can't knock it. I was just saying... But I can't knock it. I was just saying we don't go out there and shoot somebody in the back and gun them down.”
[11:47]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The discussion culminates with mutual recognition of the complexities surrounding Mangione’s actions. Stephen A. Smith reiterates his agreement on the need for healthcare reform but maintains his stance against celebrating violence:

“That's all I was trying to say. But I got your point. I got your point.”
[15:39]

Touré emphasizes the necessity of understanding and addressing the root causes of such extreme actions, advocating for a more empathetic and solution-oriented media approach.

Key Takeaways

• Violence as a Response to Corporate Malfeasance: The episode explores the contentious idea that extreme actions against corporate executives may stem from longstanding grievances with industry practices.

• Media vs. Public Perception: There is a notable divide between media narratives condemning the act and a portion of the public empathizing with the perpetrator’s motives.

• Need for Systemic Healthcare Reform: Both hosts agree on the urgent need to address systemic issues within the healthcare industry to prevent such tragedies.

• Ethical Implications of Celebrating Violence: The conversation underscores the ethical dangers of normalizing or supporting violent retribution, regardless of the causes behind it.

Notable Quotes

1. Stephen A. Smith:
   “If that is him, he is guilty of cold blooded murder. Shooting Brian Thompson, the former CEO of United Healthcare. I mean, shooting him in the back, murdering him. This is not somebody that should be celebrated.”
   [02:53]

2. Touré:
   “We cannot have a conversation about Luigi without talking about what Brian Thompson and United Health Eric have doing. And the murders, plural, that they have been responsible for for many, many years.”
   [03:25]

3. Stephen A. Smith:
   “I still can't sit up there when I see a man get shot in the back, gunned down and gunned down in the Streets shot in the back, murdered wife’s a widower, children no longer a father, and think that that's a cause for celebration.”
   [08:15]

4. Touré:
   “What is not okay is for the conversation to become about the rage that we have towards CEOs, as if that is the central part of the conversation. The central part of the conversation is how the healthcare industry is allowed to betray its customers and allow them to die and be in pain and be sick so that they can make a buck.”
   [12:47]

5. Stephen A. Smith:
   “We don't go out there and shoot somebody in the back and gun them down. That's not.”
   [18:03]

Further Engagement

Touré encourages listeners to continue the conversation and explore his perspectives on various platforms:

• YouTube: Rap Latte
• TikTok: Touré Show
• Podcast: Touré Show

Stephen A. Smith concludes by appreciating Touré’s insights and reiterating the importance of addressing both systemic issues and the societal impacts of such extreme actions.

Note: This summary captures the essential discussions and viewpoints expressed during the episode, providing a coherent and comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.