Ezra Sosa, a professional dancer known for his appearances on “Dancing With the Stars,” sparked a wave of controversy and amusement with a TikTok video seemingly mocking the arrest of Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. In the video, Sosa playfully suggests that Mangione, with whom he bears a striking resemblance, could be his partner on the upcoming season 34 of the show. This audacious comparison, underscored by Sosa digitally merging his image with Mangione’s photograph, ignited a mixed reaction from his followers, with some finding the joke humorous while others criticized it as insensitive and inappropriate given the gravity of the crime.
The incident surrounding Thompson’s death unfolded outside the New York Hilton Midtown, where the CEO was fatally shot. Following a five-day manhunt, Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He now faces serious charges, including murder and possession of a firearm, as law enforcement authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Sosa’s TikTok video injected an unexpected element of levity into the otherwise somber news cycle, prompting discussions about the boundaries of humor and the appropriateness of referencing such a serious incident in a lighthearted manner.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, social media influencer Caroline Calloway inserted herself into the narrative by claiming a past romantic involvement with Mangione. Her declarations, made via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), further stirred public interest and fueled the ongoing conversation surrounding the case. Calloway’s pronouncements, though potentially irrelevant to the legal proceedings, contributed to the overall media frenzy surrounding the incident and intertwined her public persona with the unfolding investigation.
Sosa’s TikTok post, featuring a side-by-side comparison of himself and Mangione, quickly gained traction online, prompting a range of responses from his followers. Some users applauded his comedic timing and likened him to actor Ryan Murphy, suggesting he could play Mangione in a potential biopic. Others joined in the amusement, encouraging Sosa to enter a look-alike contest. However, a segment of the online community expressed disapproval, criticizing the dancer for making light of a serious crime. The incident highlighted the complexities of navigating humor and sensitivity in the digital age, especially when referencing sensitive topics such as murder and violence.
This isn’t Sosa’s first foray into the realm of online controversy. The dancer, who boasts over half a million followers on TikTok, frequently uses the platform to express his opinions on various topics, including the rules and regulations of “Dancing With the Stars.” In a recent exchange, Sosa engaged in a debate regarding the evolution of scoring criteria on the show, specifically referencing a past performance by Derek Hough and Shawn Johnson East. This incident further solidified Sosa’s reputation as an outspoken figure, willing to engage in online discussions and share his perspectives on a variety of subjects, regardless of potential backlash.
Sosa’s journey on “Dancing With the Stars” began in season 33, where he partnered with Anna Delvey, a controversial figure known for her fraudulent activities. Despite being the newest professional dancer on the show, Sosa guided the pair to a 12th-place finish. This pairing itself generated significant media attention, adding to the intrigue surrounding Sosa’s persona and his willingness to embrace unconventional partnerships. The incident with Mangione’s arrest and the subsequent TikTok video further cemented Sosa’s presence in the public eye, establishing him as a figure not only recognized for his dancing skills but also for his outspokenness and willingness to engage in controversial online discourse.
