Taylor Lorenz Sparks Controversy with ‘CEO Down’ Meme Following UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s Murder

Taylor Lorenz, a former Washington Post journalist, landed herself in a big controversy after she made some very obnoxious comments on BlueSky regarding the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Taylor Lorenz was known for criticizing health insurance executives for augmenting the sufferings of people and further added:

“People have very justified hatred towards insurance company CEOs… I think it’s good to call out this broken system.”

Taylor Lorenz further added fuel to her controversial stand by sharing a meme provocatively titled:

“CEO down.”

Taylor Lorenz was known as an advocate of universal healthcare.

Taylor Lorenz Faces Backlash Over ‘CEO Down’ Meme

Taylor Lorenz’s comments drew sharp reactions from all sections of society. Critics labelled her comments as unfortunate and playing down a tragic event.

Several prominent personalities, like statistician Nate Silver, were scathing in their criticism of Taylor Lorenz’s statements. Silver posted on X:

“This question presupposes something that I’m not sure should be taken for granted.”

This question presupposes something that I'm not sure should be taken for granted. https://t.co/P4KI7SeCHL

— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) December 5, 2024

Legal luminaries, like Legal Phil, called her statements outright dangerous and stated:

“Got to be honest, this kind of looks like an encouragement for murder. Lorenz is not well, and people in her life need to stage an intervention.”

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot by an unknown and hooded assailant outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel, which was the venue of the insurance provider’s annual investor conference.

Investigating officials described the shooting as an act that was targeted and premeditated. Brian Thompson’s wife also revealed that her husband had continuously received death threats related to rejected insurance claims. Police are still in the dark about the identity of the assailant, who used a silencer gun to shoot Thompson. Police have offered a reward of $10,000 for any information pertaining to the killing.

However, there are many who have no love lost for Thompson, accusing UnitedHealthcare of denying claims and prioritizing profits. Viral social media posts also derided UnitedHealthcare for using erroneous algorithms to deny claims and critical health care services. Users also highlighted the fact that the healthcare provider’s rejection rate is almost twice the industry average.

Taylor Lorenz and controversy are no strangers, and in the past, she has made some very controversial statements. These include revealing the identity of the creator behind the controversial “Libs of TikTok” account, calling Joe Biden a “War Criminal,” and criticizing persons who did not wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic, labelling them “raw-dogging the air.” She also had an altercation with Nate Silver over the role of media funding. Her departure from the Washington Post was also embroiled in controversy.

I love when ppl find photos where my mask is off for 5 seconds outside for a photo at my book party where every single attendee had to PCR test, as some kind of gotcha. Like yeah, high risk ppl could safely remove their masks for photos now and then if every event/public space had those precautions!

— Taylor Lorenz (@taylorlorenz.bsky.social) December 3, 2024 at 3:21 AM

Planning a Covid safe book launch took months and THOUSANDS of my own dollars ensuring testing, outdoor space, far UV lights, and a litany of other precautions. Meanwhile u dumbfucks are out raw dogging the air and spewing ur disease laden breath all over ur elderly neighbors. We are not the same

— Taylor Lorenz (@taylorlorenz.bsky.social) December 3, 2024 at 3:24 AM

Oh boy the MAGA weirdos and Covid denialists found my post. I’m severely, severely immunocompromised. I am in and out of the hospital constantly bc I have the immune system of someone going through chemo. The pandemic is ongoing, wear a mask and stop harassing disabled ppl

— Taylor Lorenz (@taylorlorenz.bsky.social) December 3, 2024 at 6:02 AM