Reddit’s automated moderation system is currently flagging the word “Luigi” as potentially violent, according to reports. A post on the r/FreeLuigi subreddit alerted users to this issue, stating, “PSA: the word ‘luigi’ is now flagged by Reddit for violence.” A screenshot shared within the community highlights the word “Luigi” along with a tag, “Check for Violence – [Luigi].”
The r/FreeLuigi community is focused on supporting Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect in the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Since his arrest, Mangione has garnered significant online support, becoming a controversial figure amid frustrations with the U.S. healthcare system, as well as due to his public persona. Recently, his legal defense team launched a website to facilitate donations for his defense fund and to keep followers updated on the case. Mangione is currently in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.
A Reddit spokesperson clarified that there is no “sitewide filter for the word ‘Luigi'” nor is there an expectation for users to refrain from discussing Luigi Mangione. Nonetheless, users have reported multiple instances of Reddit flagging the term, suggesting ongoing concerns about moderation practices on the platform.
