Story perspectives

Hosts Praise Theft, Justify Murder on Controversial Show

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Show aired “The Rich Don’t Play by the Rules. So Why Should I?” hosted by Hasan Piker, Jia Tolentino and Nadja Spiegelman.
Critics note that the hosts called shoplifting “microlooting,” praised theft, justified UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder, and framed stealing from the wealthy as commendable, reflecting a moral inversion in media.
A former New York Times culture editor links the episode to the 2020 Tom Cotton essay controversy that sparked backlash and dismissal.

1 of 1

Story summary

Show aired “The Rich Don’t Play by the Rules. So Why Should I?” hosted by Hasan Piker, Jia Tolentino and Nadja Spiegelman.
Critics note that the hosts called shoplifting “microlooting,” praised theft, justified UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder, and framed stealing from the wealthy as commendable, reflecting a moral inversion in media.
A former New York Times culture editor links the episode to the 2020 Tom Cotton essay controversy that sparked backlash and dismissal.