Ethel Cain’s Controversy Over UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Murder
Ethel Cain shares her candid reflections on the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, sparking a conversation about corporate accountability and the influence of money in politics.
On Friday, January 10, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter posted a thought-provoking quote on her Instagram Story from Robert Reich, a former U.S. Secretary of Labor. The quote addressed the pervasive influence of powerful entities such as the NRA, Big Oil, and insurance corporations on legislative processes. Reich stated, “Money in politics is the root of our dysfunction,” highlighting the critical need for reform in political funding to restore integrity in governance.
Cain accompanied her post with the provocative hashtag “#KillMoreCEOs,” igniting discussions about the responsibilities of corporate leaders. In a subsequent Instagram Story, she clarified her intent, emphasizing that her remarks were not meant to be simply sensational or “edgy.” Instead, she aimed to shed light on serious issues surrounding corporate governance and the societal impact of corporate leaders’ decisions.
Cain emphatically stated, “I genuinely mean what I say. Corporations giggle at protesting,” expressing her frustration with corporate indifference towards public dissent. She posed a poignant question: “Why would anyone ever willingly come down off their throne that they’ve spent years building off the suffering of their fellow man?” Cain’s comments underscore the disconnect between corporate leaders and the general public. She elaborated, stating, “Nobody is getting visited by the ghost of Christmas future; no one is having a change of heart.” Her call to action is clear: to effect change, there must be a shift in how we confront those in power, emphasizing that only by making them fear for their positions can real progress be achieved.
Cain concluded her powerful message with a striking assertion: “I don’t even see how that’s an incredibly radical idea. It seems quite straightforward to me. ‘Violence is never the answer’ is wrong. Sometimes it is.” This statement challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding conflict resolution and encourages a broader discussion about the effectiveness of various forms of protest and resistance in the face of systemic injustice.
This isn’t the first time Cain has expressed her controversial views regarding the tragic death of Thompson, who was fatally shot in New York City in December. Following the arrest of the suspected shooter, Luigi Mangione, she took to X to comment, “Violence begets violence,” indicating her belief in the cyclical nature of aggression and its repercussions within society.
After Mangione’s apprehension, details emerged revealing that he had authored a three-page manifesto that vehemently criticized the U.S. healthcare system. Mangione, 26, has pleaded not guilty to state murder and terror charges, while also facing federal charges of stalking and murder that could potentially lead to the death penalty, as reported by the Associated Press.
Cain has consistently been a vocal advocate for her political beliefs. Following Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory, she took to Tumblr to express her outrage, criticizing the failures of the U.S. political system and the divisive nature of the electorate. Her posts resonate with many who are disillusioned with the current political landscape.
“The problem is that America has beaten down its people for decades and gotten them weak and desperate, and now promises a way out—a way to transcend and rise above, through selling out their fellow man,” Cain lamented. She pointed out that “an embarrassingly large chunk of white men are just straight up nazis these days,” highlighting a disturbing trend of disassociation from societal issues, even among those who are impoverished and uneducated.
As a fierce critic of both the Republican and Democratic parties during the 2024 election, Cain articulated her concern that modern political discourse has bred widespread hatred. She cautioned that the newly elected president represents only a fraction of the challenges confronting the nation, urging a deeper examination of systemic issues that perpetuate division.
Cain also directed a stark message towards Trump supporters, stating, “If you voted for Trump, I hope peace never finds you. Instead, I hope clarity strikes you like a clap of lightning and you live the rest of your life with the knowledge and guilt of what you’ve done and who you are as a person.” Her words reflect the intensity of her feelings towards the current political climate and the moral implications of electoral choices.