Google Removes Flood of Negative Reviews Targeting McDonald’s Following Arrest of Brian Thompson Murder Suspect
Google has taken action to remove a surge of derogatory reviews from its platform after McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, became the focal point for online backlash following the arrest of Luigi Mangione, the suspect charged with the murder of United Health care CEO Brian Thompson. The reviews, many unrelated to the actual business, were deemed part of a “review bombing” campaign targeting the restaurant after Mangione was apprehended at the McDonald’s location on Monday.
A Google spokesperson confirmed to USA Today that the reviews, which violated the platform’s content policies, were being removed. These negative posts, which included slamming the McDonald’s location with one-star ratings, were linked to the controversial arrest but had no actual connection to the quality of the restaurant’s service or food. Google clarified that reviews should reflect real experiences at a business, and that reviews posted with the intent to manipulate or alter a business’s rating would be removed.
The negative reviews began pouring in after Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested at the McDonald’s after a customer alerted an employee about his presence. Police had been searching for Mangione for several days in connection with the shooting death of Thompson, 50, in Manhattan the previous week. The arrest prompted a wave of backlash online, with users expressing frustration about Thompson’s death and targeting McDonald’s employees who had reported Mangione to police.
Many of the reviews contained disparaging remarks about the restaurant’s staff. These reviews quickly spread on social media platforms, where many users linked their negative comments to broader dissatisfaction with the U.S. healthcare system. Thompson’s murder, which appeared to be a targeted killing, sparked a flood of social media commentary, with many people venting their frustrations with health insurance providers like United Healthcare. Critics cited personal experiences with denied claims or high premiums, making Thompson’s death a flashpoint for wider debates about healthcare in the U.S.
United Healthcare, the company Thompson led, has faced criticism over its claims denial rate, which was reported at 32 percent, the highest among major insurers in the country. Social media users have pointed to personal stories of significant financial burden due to denied claims or medical expenses that were not covered, adding fuel to the already heated conversation surrounding the healthcare system.
In response to the review bombing, Google issued additional protections to ensure the integrity of its platform, warning users that reviews must be based on legitimate experiences. As of Tuesday morning, many of the negative reviews had been removed, and the restaurant’s overall rating remained at 3.6 out of 5 stars, despite the onslaught of one-star ratings.
The arrest of Mangione after a multi-day manhunt marked the conclusion of a high-profile case that had captured the attention of both the media and the public. Authorities believe Mangione deliberately targeted Thompson, and surveillance footage revealed him fleeing the scene on a bicycle before escaping the city. Mangione’s arrest ended a tense search, but it has also led to polarized responses online, with some celebrating his actions while others condemn the murder.
