Skateboarder Guy Azulay Misidentified as Suspect

Guy Azulay, a skateboarder, has gained unexpected viral fame due to his resemblance to Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Azulay's skateboarding video, which he posted on December 12, was misattributed to Mangione, leading to widespread misidentification across social media platforms. Despite the confusion, Azulay has taken this attention lightly, emphasizing that he is focused on his skating and music career, with no intention of capitalizing on the comparisons. Sponsorship deals from brands like Carhartt and New Balance predated his viral moment, showcasing his existing status in the skateboarding community. The incident reflects the internet's tendency to blur lines between fact and fiction, particularly regarding high-profile criminal cases, as users both glorify and criticize Mangione online. Azulay's experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of social media fame and its impact on individual identities.