Emma Stone Faces Backlash Over Luigi Mangione Murder Comparison

Emma Stone faced significant backlash after drawing parallels between her new film Bugonia and the real-life Luigi Mangione case during a Q&A at the Telluride Film Festival. In Bugonia, Stone plays a healthcare CEO abducted by a disgruntled employee, a storyline critics found uncomfortably similar to Mangione's alleged murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. Stone's remarks, including asking audiences if they had heard about the Mangione case, were widely criticized as tone-deaf and out of touch, with social media users accusing her of insensitivity and condescension. Despite the controversy, the film has received critical acclaim for its dark, genre-bending narrative and Stone’s compelling performance. Director Yorgos Lanthimos noted the film’s dystopian elements are grounded in real-world issues, while Stone also shared personal insights about shaving her head for the role. Bugonia is scheduled for a wider release on October 24, with debate around Stone’s comments continuing.