Singer Ethel Cain Advocates Violence Against CEOs in Controversial Posts

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Singer Ethel Cain sparked controversy Friday with social media posts advocating violence against corporate leaders, following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The 26-year-old musician shared a quote from former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, criticizing the influence of powerful groups like the NRA, Big Oil, and insurance companies on Congress.

“Money in politics is the root of our dysfunction,” Reich wrote, which Cain reposted alongside the hashtag “#KillMoreCEOs.” In a follow-up Instagram Story, Cain clarified her stance, stating, “I genuinely mean what I say. Corporations giggle at protesting.”

Cain argued that corporate leaders are unlikely to change without fear. “Why would anyone ever willingly come down off their throne that they’ve spent years building off the suffering of their fellow man?” she wrote. “Nobody is getting visited by the ghost of Christmas future, no one is having a change of heart. It’s simple, you make them fear for their lives and hit them in the only place they hurt or nothing will ever get done.”

She concluded, “I don’t even see how that’s an incredibly radical idea. It seems quite straightforward to me. ‘Violence is never the answer’ wrong. Sometimes it is.”

Cain’s comments come in the wake of Thompson’s murder in December. The suspected killer, Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested after a three-page manifesto criticizing the U.S. healthcare system was found. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state murder and terror charges and faces federal charges that could carry the death penalty.

This is not the first time Cain has expressed controversial views. Following Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory, she criticized the U.S. political system on Tumblr, writing, “The problem is that America has beaten down its people for decades and gotten them weak and desperate.” She also condemned Trump supporters, stating, “If you voted for Trump, I hope peace never finds you.”

Cain, known for her outspoken political commentary, has long criticized both major political parties. Her latest posts have reignited debates about corporate influence and the role of protest in effecting change.