An assistant professor at Penn is under fire after social media posts that celebrated the school alumnus accused of murdering a health insurance CEO.
Julia Alekseyeva, an assistant professor of English and media studies, referred to Luigi Mangione as “the icon we all need and deserve” and said she had “never been prouder” to be a Penn professor. The posts, which were unearthed by the conservative (and controversial) Libs of TikTok account on X, came after Mangione was apprehended in Altoona and later charged in the assassination of UnitedHealthcare leader Brian Thompson in New York.
Alekseyeva has since apologized while the university condemned her conduct.
“Late last night I posted a TikTok, as well as several stories on my Instagram. These were completely insensitive and inappropriate, and I retract them wholly,” she wrote on her X account.
“I do not condone violence and I am genuinely regretful of any harm the posts have caused.”
Said Jeffrey Kallberg, the Deputy Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, in a statement via NBC Philadelphia: "Much concern was raised by recent social media posts attributed to Assistant Professor Julia Alekseyeva. Her comments regarding the shooting of Brian Thompson in New York City were antithetical to the values of both the School of Arts and Sciences and the University of Pennsylvania, and they were not condoned by the School or the University.
"Upon reflection, Assistant Professor Alekseyeva has concurred that the comments were insensitive and inappropriate and has retracted them. We welcome this correction and regret any dismay or concern this may have caused."
