In the wake of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson’s murder on December 4, 2024, the company has come under fire – not just for what happened, but for how it’s handling the public reaction.
According to a recent post on X, UnitedHealth has been working behind the scenes to silence online criticism.
The post points to data from the National Center for Research Integrity, showing that after the killing 60% of the top-engaged tweets either criticized UnitedHealth or sympathized with the killer.
That’s a shocking stat. But instead of addressing the public’s concerns, the company reportedly used “safety” and “security” excuses to get critical posts removed.
Censorship or Public Safety?
UnitedHealth claims it’s trying to stop the spread of harmful content. Critics say they’re using the tragedy as a smokescreen to silence voices they don’t like.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Communication found that health insurance companies (including UnitedHealth) have increased censorship efforts, often using vague “security” reasons to get away with it.
This sentiment was echoed across conservative circles. Many see it as a sign of just how far powerful companies will go to avoid criticism.
A Pattern of Bad Behavior
United Healthcare made over $281 billion in revenue in 2023, yet it’s been fined more than $1.2 billion since 2010 for things like denying patient claims.
That history of putting profits over people is likely part of why so many online voices responded with anger (or even approval) after the CEO was killed.
While we are in no way defending violence, a CloudResearch poll showed that 27% of Americans said they sympathized with the killer, pointing to growing frustration with the healthcare system.
Public Anger Isn’t “Misinformation”
A Facebook post by UnitedHealth shortly after the murder received 87,000 laughing emojis, showing just how out of touch the company might be with regular folks.
Instead of addressing why people are so upset, the company seems to be doubling down on censorship.
A Broken System
Health insurance companies, especially giants like UnitedHealth, have long been a target for conservatives.
They’re often seen as part of the “crony capitalism” problem, working with government regulators to build a system that benefits the elite, not the average person.
Groups like the American Conservative Union have even pushed for antitrust action, arguing these companies are too powerful and too protected.
And it’s not just about profits. When you control healthcare and also control the conversation, that’s dangerous.
Looking Ahead
The situation raises some tough questions.
Should a private company have the power to shut down criticism? Is it okay to remove posts that reflect public anger, especially if they’re extreme?
And what happens when powerful institutions use “safety” as a reason to silence regular people?
Some want Congress to step in and investigate. Others say it’s time to return to real competition in healthcare, ending the sweetheart deals that keep companies like UnitedHealth on top while everyday Americans get squeezed.
The bottom line? People are angry.
And instead of listening, UnitedHealth seems more interested in pressing the mute button.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
