Luigi Mangione’s jail playlist leaves internet surprised as inmate swaps Taylor Swift and Charli XCX for Lil Durk: ‘Least toxic masculine man’
Luigi Mangione shares his surprising jail playlist experience
In a handwritten letter that was posted on the X account, The Mangione Trial, Mangione shared, “Last week, I downloaded a bunch of Taylor Swift and Charli XCX onto my tablet. I’ve never really listened to either of them—I figured I’d see what all the hype was about. So I’m walking laps on the top tier of my unit, listening to ‘Cardigan’ by TSwift, when one of the other inmates, ‘King’, calls me over to see what I’m listening to. He scolds me for a while, then replaces all my music. Now I listen to Lil Durk.”
More details in the letter
The letter, dated June 3, 2025, reflects on 27 things he’s grateful for after turning 27 in May while in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. He thanked his friends, family, supportive strangers, and the Free Minds Book Club for helping him stay connected through writing and literature.
Mangione also mentioned favourite books like Anthem and Fahrenheit 451, appreciates his cellmate, kind officers, and small comforts like Chicken Thursdays and BBQ sauce. He also acknowledged those who’ve helped with commissary and legal aid. The letter was signed off with gratitude for music, noting he’s currently listening to Rockwell’s Somebody’s Watching Me.
( Image credit : X./@Mangionetrial | Luigi Mangione’s letter from jail )
Redditors react to Luigi’s unexpected playlist
Reddit users reacted with humour to Luigi’s letter, joking about his sudden switch from Taylor Swift and Charli XCX to Lil Durk. Many found the unexpected music update oddly entertaining.
One user said, “This being sent in June is so funny. He didn’t know the beef that was about to come.” For those who may not be aware, Swift and XCX are currently allegedly beefing after Swift released a rumoured diss track, Actually Romantic, in her newly released album The Life of a Showgirl.
“Him crossing out cardigan. I’m crying. I love that he was actually willing to give their music a chance though instead of just dismissing it, what a guy,” said another user.
One commented, “Dude was open to listening to female pop artists and got scolded for it, and his playlist was replaced by other men 😭 the least toxic masculine man – free him!”
( Image credit : Reddit )
( Image credit : Reddit )
Luigi Mangione, a model inmate at Brooklyn Detention Center
Meanwhile, Mangione’s attorney describes him as a model inmate at Brooklyn detention center. According to his attorney, as reported by People, Mangione has shown exemplary conduct while awaiting trial at the Metropolitan Detention Center (Brooklyn), earning the informal title of “ambassador” among fellow inmates.
( Image credit : X/@ThePopFlop | Mangione’s attorney calls him a model inmate at Brooklyn detention center )
He reportedly helps new detainees adjust to life in the facility, has no misconduct reports, and follows rules—including avoiding contraband—despite being housed in general population without special privileges.
