Luigi Mangione bragged about being beaten-up by a group of “ladyboys” in Thailand a few months before he allegedly assassinated UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Mangione spent time in a small guesthouse in in the village of Tenkawa, Japan, in May 2024, The New York Times reported Tuesday — and bragged to his friends about a wild encounter he claimed to have had with seven “ladyboys.” The outlet said it viewed WhatsApp messages exchanged between Mangione and his friends, in which he detailed the incident that allegedly unfolded in Bangkok. (RELATED: Shein Appears To Use Luigi Mangioni’s Face To Advertise Summer Shirt)
In the messages, Mangione detailed being beaten up by seven “ladyboys” — a term used to describe men who dress as women.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 19: Luigi Mangione, suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, arrives at a heliport with members of the NYPD on December 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Mangione even included a photograph of his scratched-up arm in his message, and his arm appeared to have been scratched and beaten during the alleged altercation.
During his trip, Mangione befriended soccer player Christian Sacchini and as well as an additional, unidentified companion.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 19: Luigi Mangione, suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, arrives at a heliport with members of the NYPD on December 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)
Sacchini claimed to have met Mangione at a Bangkok pub in March, telling the outlet the accused killer regaled him with stories about video games and Pokémon before he went on an unexpected rant about the “effed up” state of the U.S. healthcare system, especially compared to its Thai counterpart, according to The New York Times.
The soccer player said Mangione was shocked to discover how cheap it was to obtain an MRI in Thailand. “He couldn’t believe it,” he told the outlet.
Mangione is currently awaiting trial for Thompson’s murder. He faces both state and federal charges, including second-degree murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.