As American TikTok users prepare for a potential ban, many have turned to RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu) in search of a new social media home—and unexpectedly found a shared obsession with Chinese users: CEO killer Luigi Mangione.
Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December, has become an unlikely international figure.
On RedNote, user feeds are said to be awash with edits, fan art, and even cosplay tributes to Mangione. These posts dominate even for newcomers still waiting for the algorithm to adjust to their tastes.
American users, surprised to see Mangione’s face everywhere on the Chinese app, were intrigued by the phenomenon according to several posts and screenshots shared on various social media handles.
The cosplay trend has taken off, with users dressing up as Mangione in everything from his now-iconic mugshot look to dramatized versions of what fans imagine as his “vigilante attire.” “They’re cosplaying Luigi Mangione on RedNote,” said a X user @airbagged1. The X post had 1.7 million views and 86k likes with many supporting the trend.
In another cosplay display, a video reportedly from the Chines app, shared on X, had a man cosplaying Mangione- even dressing up in an orange jumpsuit like the CEO killer was after arrest.
“Luigi Mangione is beloved on RedNote,” said another user going by Alyssa Mercante (@alyssa_merc), while sharing screenshots of the posts. A co-editor a Militant wire shared a screenshot where Mangione has been nicknamed ‘Lulu’. “On the Red Note app, Chinese people have given Luigi Mangione the nickname “Lulu”,” said Sharon Adarlo, who’s bio describes her as artist / writer / journalist.
This shared fascination with Mangione content—edits, cosplay, and all—has reportedly eased the transition for TikTok “refugees” and sparked curiosity about whether RedNote could become the new global social media hub.
Why is Chinese app RedNote becoming popular among Americans?
As the US government stays firm on banning TikTok, many American content creators are migrating to Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, as an alternative platform. The app, which blends features of Instagram and Pinterest, has rapidly gained popularity, topping app store charts and amassing over 10 million downloads on Google Play. Its focus on short-form content and user-friendly design offers a familiar experience for TikTok users, making it an attractive option.
Influencers like Jen Hamilton, with millions of followers, are openly endorsing RedNote and encouraging their audiences to join them. Despite concerns about data privacy and its predominantly Mandarin interface, the app’s growing global user base and versatile features is attracting US creators looking to maintain their online presence.
