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UnitedHealth’s Reputation Seems To Be Plummeting Further After CEO’s Letter To Staff Is Leaked
UnitedHealth Group, a major US healthcare company, is reeling after the murder of one of its top executives, Brian Thompson, who led its insurance division, UnitedHealthcare. In a leaked memo, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty praised Thompson’s legacy and promised employees heightened safety measures. However, the message drew criticism for not addressing public anger over corporate healthcare practices.
Highlights
- Brian Thompson, a top UnitedHealth exec, was murdered; CEO praised him in leaked memo.
- Critics say UnitedHealth memo ignored public anger over healthcare's profit focus.
- Journalist leaks alleged killer's manifesto criticizing corporate healthcare greed.
Thompson was killed last week in New York City, allegedly by Luigi Mangione, who was arrested after a manhunt and reportedly carried a manifesto criticizing the healthcare industry’s focus on profits over patient care.
Taking to his social media pages on Thursday (December 12), independent journalist Ken Klippenstein shared what he claimed to be Witty’s letter to UnitedHealth staff.
RELATED:
UnitedHealth Group, a major US healthcare company, is reeling after the murder of one of its top executives, Brian Thompson
Image credits: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Klippenstein also happens to be the journalist who leaked Mangione’s manifesto in full.
“UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty just sent a memo to staff (leaked to me) hailing late CEO as ‘one of the good guys’ who had ‘a profoundly positive impact on the lives of so many people’,” Klippenstein wrote.
He further revealed: “Staff are frustrated with how tone-deaf the response has been.”
Image credits: businesswire
In the leaked memo, Witty remembered Thompson’s legacy and encouraged the company’s nearly 400,000 employees through this “extraordinarily difficult week.”
He wrote: “Brian was one of the good guys. He was certainly one of the smartest guys. I think he was one of the best guys.
“I’m going to miss him. And I am incredibly proud to call him my friend.
UPDATE: “He Was Framed!”: Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty In UnitedHealth CEO Assassination Trial
In a leaked memo, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty praised Thompson’s legacy
Image credits: Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
“As we begin to move forward, the best way to honor his life and all that he stood for is to carry on his legacy—continuing to do right by the people who’ve entrusted us with their care and those who are counting on us to take care of their loved ones.”
The message also included statements of support from UnitedHealthcare patients thanking employees for their work and sharing condolences about Thompson’s passing, despite the case having ignited intense debate online. All this occurred with many expressing frustration at perceived systemic issues within the US healthcare system.
“I wanted to let you know that I appreciate all the diligent work [you] did in helping me get a medication that I desperately need,” one anonymous patient message in the memo read.
Image credits: kenklippenstein
It continued: “And to give some positive feedback considering the climate and everything happening at United right now:
“I want to be a member that says there are good people at United. They really do care.”
Witty subsequently encouraged his employees to take care of themselves during this difficult time, and vowed that the company was taking multiple measures to increase safety.
He concluded: “No matter what’s happening, we’re going to be there for the moms and dads who brought one of their kids to a clinic this morning…for the people who need screenings, who need scans, who need surgery.
Independent journalist Ken Klippenstein shared what he claimed to be Witty’s letter to UnitedHealth staff
UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty just sent a memo to staff (leaked to me) hailing late CEO as “one of the good guys” who had “a profoundly positive impact on the lives of so many people.” Witty adds: “He was certainly one of the smartest guys. I think he was one of the best guys.”… pic.twitter.com/ANFSa9YG9F
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) December 11, 2024
“Please look after yourselves, your teams, and your loved ones. Be assured we will continue to take every possible precaution to ensure that you feel safe and supported.”
The memo drew divided reactions, as a Threads user commented: “I am applauding the staff that is outing the sh**ty leadership of UHC.”
A person wrote: “Wasn’t he under investigation for insider trading among other things? ‘Only the best people…’”
Image credits: kenklippenstein
Someone else penned: “Tell Andrew and every other CEO: ‘The Call is coming from inside the house’.”
“Wow that’s a shitty email, even in a corporate context,” a netizen argued, “No [acknowledgment] of the outpouring of anger against the company.
“No plan of action to improve customer satisfaction, not even to salvage reputation. No mention of any concrete employee support service such as a mental health hotline.
Klippenstein also happens to be the journalist who leaked Mangione’s manifesto in full
“There’s no value in engaging with the media,” United Health CEO tells employees in internal video leaked to me.
Watch the full video here: https://t.co/ySDtxk6gN6 pic.twitter.com/V6s9QXC6ny
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) December 6, 2024
“He’s a CEO?? My employer-provided health insurance is switching to United Healthcare as of January 1 and I’m seriously concerned…”
An observer shared: “I used to work for United. This sounds on brand.”
A separate individual chimed in: “He was objectively not ‘one of the good guys’.”
Image credits: Jeff Swensen/Getty Images
Klippenstein and internet sleuths have argued that following Thompson’s death, mainstream media coverage has painted an almost saintly portrait of the executive, focusing on glowing tributes and a sanitized narrative.
Reports hailed Thompson as a “visionary leader” and “beloved family man,” omitting controversies like his 2017 drunk-driving conviction, estrangement from his wife, and allegations of insider trading and fraud tied to massive financial losses.
A legal document exposed by Klippenstein on his Substack page on Monday (December 9), showed that Thompson pled guilty to drunk driving, for which he served a couple of days in jail at the Hennepin County Adult Corrections facility in Minnesota, and later probation.
Thompson was killed last week in New York City, allegedly by Luigi Mangione, who was arrested after a manhunt
Image credits: BNODesk
“And while much reporting has cast him as some kind of dedicated wife guy, he had been separated from his wife for years and lived in their own houses, property records show,” Klippenstein shared.
Moreover, the late CEO of UnitedHealthcare, faced serious allegations in his professional life, including accusations of insider trading and fraud.
A lawsuit filed by the Hollywood Firefighters’ Pension Fund claimed Thompson sold $15 million worth of stock while aware of a Justice Department antitrust investigation into the company, which later caused a $25 billion loss in shareholder value.
Image credits: waymarking
Additionally, reports suggest Thompson sold $1.5 million in stock on the same day a ransomware attack hit the company, wiping out $46 billion in market value.
“I’ve since spoken with several employees and it’s now quite clear that the major media’s accounts of Thompson being ‘well-liked internally’ might be true of the boardroom, but not the rank-and-file,” Klippenstein wrote.
Police have charged Luigi Mangione with the murder of Thompson, who was shot outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4.
Thompson led UnitedHealth Group’s insurance division, UnitedHealthcare
Image credits: unitedhealthgroup
Authorities alleged Mangione, arrested on Monday in Pennsylvania after fleeing the scene, was motivated by anger toward the healthcare industry, as suggested by notes in a spiral notebook found during his arrest.
Evidence included fingerprints on items near the crime scene, a 3D-printed “ghost gun” linked to the shooting, and surveillance footage tracing Mangione’s movements before and after the attack.
Prosecutors are now pursuing premeditated murder charges, citing Mangione’s detailed planning and apparent use of fake IDs and disguises during his stay in New York.
“They weren’t a good person,” a reader commented
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What do you think ?
KatSaidWhat 2 weeks ago
As I have said on various sites... as medical admin, I stand with Luigi. F**k Brian. He deserved to live with life changing injuries and have his claims denied.
Angie May 2 weeks ago
People are so up in arms about this man being shot, the comments always have people chiming in "you didn't have to like him, but a man died". Yup. He sure did. And I will lose zero sleep over his death, just like they lose zero sleep over all the people they essentially sentence to death by withholding necessary care. You can only push people for too long. I hope the rest of these money sucking soulless jackasses see this as the wake up call it is and start to reform our broken "healthcare" system.
Load More Replies... Lola July 2 weeks ago
Insurance companies exist solely to make exorbitant profits. Not to help anyone. Too many people are forced to purchase expensive insurance that then refuses reasonable coverage. Profits are important or the company would not remain viable, however deliberately allowing the deaths of paying customers so CEO'S can own a 3rd yacht and earn a 65 million bonus is disgusting. He cost the company billions, he was not a good guy, he was a greedy a*s who did not care about others. He drove drunk, cheated on his wife, destroyed his family and did what to help others? Automatically refused them reasonable medical treatment.
Charles Jacks 2 weeks ago
People should be allowed to sue the insurance companies for medical malpractice. But better yet, the insurance companies should not be allowed to practice medicine without an examination of the patient nor a medical license and certainly not allowed to override the medical recommendations of the patients licensed, actual, examining doctor.
The Cute Cat 2 weeks ago (edited)
As a medic I have witnessed many patient that leave because of no coverage to their care. But not on today.. We are lucky that even with my country categorized as developing, we have BPJS K who give almost any care even if patient is registered to the service on the same day of their admission to hospital. Crazy, right??? That is because our govt will just give money to our health care system.. each frickn year.. Talking about politician that really care, We have it better then USA citizen..
Mason Kronol 2 weeks ago
You want great medical care in the US break your finger at work at a place that has good standing with workman’s comp. I was treated like royalty. It was late night and I was rushed in to the er, I drove myself, like I was having a heart attack. They knew the bill was getting paid. Then the lawyers started contacting me wanting to know if I wanted to sue. For 3 years after I left the job for unrelated reasons. It was a small break and I didn’t even miss any work.
Load More Replies...
Kate Johnson 2 weeks ago
Health insurance, like the stock market, is one of the biggest scams inflicted on the American public, with the government being co-conspirators in the fraud. Their entire motivation is profit at the expense of people's lives. They capitalize on the suffering of others. Greed is their main motivation, not care.
Mason Kronol 2 weeks ago
Shout out to all the wonderful Drs, nurses and other medical staff that actually care about their patients and have to deal with all this bureaucratic BS. I had a Drs appointment and the receptionist told me it was the day before. I told her that’s what I thought but showed her the email confirming my appointment for that day and time. The “company” switched software a day early, it was supposed to happen when they were closed, and the whole system was messed up. Luckily they squeezed me in. I’ve also had nurses in the hospital that knew more than the so called specialist Drs. It’s a nightmare having health issues. There are some good people out there, just obviously not at the top.
Terri Rimmer 2 weeks ago
United Health Care needs to be brought down. In 2012 they denied a claim regarding a refill of my daughter's feeding tube formula, something she had to take three times a day since birth in 2000. They claimed the need was "cosmetic." No matter how many family and friends wrote letters to the co. they would not budge and she only had 2-3 weeks left of her formula. It wasn't until her dr. wrote United and told them that if they didn't approve the refill that her death would be on their head that they approved it.
Atero 2 weeks ago
Call me heartless, but I'd say it's good start. Look around - so many more more industries which would benefit from careful targeted eliminations like banking, hedges, stocks, private equities, insurance in general... Also, I really feel for the innocent guy they charged for extermination of one of the parasites :(
Nathan Clark 1 week ago
If you think Luigi Mangione is a criminal and Kyle Rittenhouse is a hero, you area hypocrite.
Lise Breakey 1 week ago
Who are you talking to? Is there anyone who thinks that?
Load More Replies...
ircsmith 2 weeks ago
Wife fell off a ladder in July. Broke seven ribs, Clavicle, punctured a lung, lacerated a kidney, and got a concussion. Took here to emergency and she was admitted to the hospital. First letter we got from United Health was the admission was not necessary and her care would not be covered. I guess they know best.
S 2 weeks ago
A family member was seriously hurt in a horse riding accident and was knocked unconscious. Had a broken back. Was lucky to be alive. And the insurance argued and argued with the docs about getting her out the ER before she was ready. Why they have any say in it is beyond me. Insurance companies are not medically trained, they're just deranged money making schemes.
Load More Replies...
Della 1 week ago
I dealt with united healthcare when my mom was sick. They denied her claim with a flimsy reason. The Dr was used to it, stated he went to medical school so an insurance rep can decide what his patient needs. I was glad they were in Minnesota, hours and hours away from me. I kept reminding myself the girl on the phone doesn't make the decision, no need to take it out on her. We did ultimately get mom covered by insurance, but it was a stress we didn't need. Brian chose how to make his money, there's got the be a better way.
Robert Beveridge 2 weeks ago
As someone who worked in Healthcare insurance for 13 years, I will say that while it would be going too far to say I condone Mangione's actions, I absolutely understand and sympathize with his position.
Pamela Blue 1 week ago
The health insurance industry is a business - a BUSINESS! A business exists to make profits. Like every other business in the US, they hack away at staff, and at services, to provide more and more money for those shareholder checks
Fabulous chocolate cookie 2 weeks ago
The fact people applaud a murder because he did what many people wanted to do, is exactly what's wrong with America. The not-existing Healthcare is what is wrong with Amerika. The fact people die every day because companies only see $$$$ instead of human lives. I do agree with his murder and am sure many will follow if this doesn't change soon. Luigi ignited the spark for change.
Christian Golden 2 weeks ago
Real Tom Joad stuff. "We'll be there, ma! Wherever there's a bean-counter denying a claim, we'll be there. Wherever there's an "expert" asking if you've tried a heating pad for your hernia, we'll be there!"
Enlee Jones 2 weeks ago
The claim with any f**k I have left to give for greedy CEOs who put profits over people has been denied.
Steve Robert 2 weeks ago
Kind of makes you wonder what set off the 1789 French revolution. I wonder how many people died because their medical treatment was denied so that executive bonuses could be larger?
Alexander Mineev 5 days ago
I don't buy health insurance. I have no trust in the U.S. healthcare system.
Joseph Stern 5 days ago
This man was murdered by a coward who shot a defenseless man in the back.That is murder and is never justified. Tired of your Healthcare Premiums? Find another company or write to your state legislature. We live in a very sick country that is gun and God crazy. We desperately need higher education and less emphasis on violence.
CuMhara O'Holyhead 6 days ago
One man shot dead is a murder. A million dead from denied care is a feature of the US system.
David George 6 days ago
Who's next? The Italian Fascist Dictator Benito Mussolini said it best: "Fascism should more appropriately be called Corporatism, for in Fascism the interests of the Corporation are perfectly wedded to the interests of the State." Welcome to Trump's Fascist State. Hope you like it. You voted him in.
Elvia Bourque 1 week ago
Greed got the best of him! The Medical Insurance is 100% Corrupt own & run by wealthy billionaires raking billions & nobody stopping them.! I feel for all those souls we lost from insurance denied to them. 0 sympathy for Thompson he lived a high life. I stand with Luigi.
Thanos'Fingers 2 weeks ago
Reading. Of reading about this. Nobody is talking at you. You are actively going out of your way to read about this. Then complaining about your own actions in the comment section. If you're truly sick to death of READING about this, then simply go away.
Load More Replies...
James Frail 2 weeks ago
Lol! You think people in prison are going to give a flying fart about him killing a rich white guy? If anything, it'll make him a quasi celebrity. Unless you did something to a child, no one in prison targets you. He'll be fine.
Load More Replies...
KatSaidWhat 2 weeks ago
As I have said on various sites... as medical admin, I stand with Luigi. F**k Brian. He deserved to live with life changing injuries and have his claims denied.
Angie May 2 weeks ago
People are so up in arms about this man being shot, the comments always have people chiming in "you didn't have to like him, but a man died". Yup. He sure did. And I will lose zero sleep over his death, just like they lose zero sleep over all the people they essentially sentence to death by withholding necessary care. You can only push people for too long. I hope the rest of these money sucking soulless jackasses see this as the wake up call it is and start to reform our broken "healthcare" system.
Load More Replies... Lola July 2 weeks ago
Insurance companies exist solely to make exorbitant profits. Not to help anyone. Too many people are forced to purchase expensive insurance that then refuses reasonable coverage. Profits are important or the company would not remain viable, however deliberately allowing the deaths of paying customers so CEO'S can own a 3rd yacht and earn a 65 million bonus is disgusting. He cost the company billions, he was not a good guy, he was a greedy a*s who did not care about others. He drove drunk, cheated on his wife, destroyed his family and did what to help others? Automatically refused them reasonable medical treatment.
Charles Jacks 2 weeks ago
People should be allowed to sue the insurance companies for medical malpractice. But better yet, the insurance companies should not be allowed to practice medicine without an examination of the patient nor a medical license and certainly not allowed to override the medical recommendations of the patients licensed, actual, examining doctor.
The Cute Cat 2 weeks ago (edited)
As a medic I have witnessed many patient that leave because of no coverage to their care. But not on today.. We are lucky that even with my country categorized as developing, we have BPJS K who give almost any care even if patient is registered to the service on the same day of their admission to hospital. Crazy, right??? That is because our govt will just give money to our health care system.. each frickn year.. Talking about politician that really care, We have it better then USA citizen..
Mason Kronol 2 weeks ago
You want great medical care in the US break your finger at work at a place that has good standing with workman’s comp. I was treated like royalty. It was late night and I was rushed in to the er, I drove myself, like I was having a heart attack. They knew the bill was getting paid. Then the lawyers started contacting me wanting to know if I wanted to sue. For 3 years after I left the job for unrelated reasons. It was a small break and I didn’t even miss any work.
Load More Replies... Kate Johnson 2 weeks ago
Health insurance, like the stock market, is one of the biggest scams inflicted on the American public, with the government being co-conspirators in the fraud. Their entire motivation is profit at the expense of people's lives. They capitalize on the suffering of others. Greed is their main motivation, not care.
Mason Kronol 2 weeks ago
Shout out to all the wonderful Drs, nurses and other medical staff that actually care about their patients and have to deal with all this bureaucratic BS. I had a Drs appointment and the receptionist told me it was the day before. I told her that’s what I thought but showed her the email confirming my appointment for that day and time. The “company” switched software a day early, it was supposed to happen when they were closed, and the whole system was messed up. Luckily they squeezed me in. I’ve also had nurses in the hospital that knew more than the so called specialist Drs. It’s a nightmare having health issues. There are some good people out there, just obviously not at the top.
Terri Rimmer 2 weeks ago
United Health Care needs to be brought down. In 2012 they denied a claim regarding a refill of my daughter's feeding tube formula, something she had to take three times a day since birth in 2000. They claimed the need was "cosmetic." No matter how many family and friends wrote letters to the co. they would not budge and she only had 2-3 weeks left of her formula. It wasn't until her dr. wrote United and told them that if they didn't approve the refill that her death would be on their head that they approved it.
Atero 2 weeks ago
Call me heartless, but I'd say it's good start. Look around - so many more more industries which would benefit from careful targeted eliminations like banking, hedges, stocks, private equities, insurance in general... Also, I really feel for the innocent guy they charged for extermination of one of the parasites :(
Nathan Clark 1 week ago
If you think Luigi Mangione is a criminal and Kyle Rittenhouse is a hero, you area hypocrite.
Lise Breakey 1 week ago
Who are you talking to? Is there anyone who thinks that?
Load More Replies... ircsmith 2 weeks ago
Wife fell off a ladder in July. Broke seven ribs, Clavicle, punctured a lung, lacerated a kidney, and got a concussion. Took here to emergency and she was admitted to the hospital. First letter we got from United Health was the admission was not necessary and her care would not be covered. I guess they know best.
S 2 weeks ago
A family member was seriously hurt in a horse riding accident and was knocked unconscious. Had a broken back. Was lucky to be alive. And the insurance argued and argued with the docs about getting her out the ER before she was ready. Why they have any say in it is beyond me. Insurance companies are not medically trained, they're just deranged money making schemes.
Load More Replies... Della 1 week ago
I dealt with united healthcare when my mom was sick. They denied her claim with a flimsy reason. The Dr was used to it, stated he went to medical school so an insurance rep can decide what his patient needs. I was glad they were in Minnesota, hours and hours away from me. I kept reminding myself the girl on the phone doesn't make the decision, no need to take it out on her. We did ultimately get mom covered by insurance, but it was a stress we didn't need. Brian chose how to make his money, there's got the be a better way.
Robert Beveridge 2 weeks ago
As someone who worked in Healthcare insurance for 13 years, I will say that while it would be going too far to say I condone Mangione's actions, I absolutely understand and sympathize with his position.
Pamela Blue 1 week ago
The health insurance industry is a business - a BUSINESS! A business exists to make profits. Like every other business in the US, they hack away at staff, and at services, to provide more and more money for those shareholder checks
Fabulous chocolate cookie 2 weeks ago
The fact people applaud a murder because he did what many people wanted to do, is exactly what's wrong with America. The not-existing Healthcare is what is wrong with Amerika. The fact people die every day because companies only see $$$$ instead of human lives. I do agree with his murder and am sure many will follow if this doesn't change soon. Luigi ignited the spark for change.
Christian Golden 2 weeks ago
Real Tom Joad stuff. "We'll be there, ma! Wherever there's a bean-counter denying a claim, we'll be there. Wherever there's an "expert" asking if you've tried a heating pad for your hernia, we'll be there!"
Enlee Jones 2 weeks ago
The claim with any f**k I have left to give for greedy CEOs who put profits over people has been denied.
Steve Robert 2 weeks ago
Kind of makes you wonder what set off the 1789 French revolution. I wonder how many people died because their medical treatment was denied so that executive bonuses could be larger?
Alexander Mineev 5 days ago
I don't buy health insurance. I have no trust in the U.S. healthcare system.
Joseph Stern 5 days ago
This man was murdered by a coward who shot a defenseless man in the back.That is murder and is never justified. Tired of your Healthcare Premiums? Find another company or write to your state legislature. We live in a very sick country that is gun and God crazy. We desperately need higher education and less emphasis on violence.
CuMhara O'Holyhead 6 days ago
One man shot dead is a murder. A million dead from denied care is a feature of the US system.
David George 6 days ago
Who's next? The Italian Fascist Dictator Benito Mussolini said it best: "Fascism should more appropriately be called Corporatism, for in Fascism the interests of the Corporation are perfectly wedded to the interests of the State." Welcome to Trump's Fascist State. Hope you like it. You voted him in.
Elvia Bourque 1 week ago
Greed got the best of him! The Medical Insurance is 100% Corrupt own & run by wealthy billionaires raking billions & nobody stopping them.! I feel for all those souls we lost from insurance denied to them. 0 sympathy for Thompson he lived a high life. I stand with Luigi.
Thanos'Fingers 2 weeks ago
Reading. Of reading about this. Nobody is talking at you. You are actively going out of your way to read about this. Then complaining about your own actions in the comment section. If you're truly sick to death of READING about this, then simply go away.
Load More Replies... James Frail 2 weeks ago
Lol! You think people in prison are going to give a flying fart about him killing a rich white guy? If anything, it'll make him a quasi celebrity. Unless you did something to a child, no one in prison targets you. He'll be fine.
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