Luigi Mangione's gravity-defying cultural influence… he's now the inspiration for a viral drag performance that's sparking raves across the internet.
Check it out… an artist named August Ryder has on gravity.”
Before August even took the stage, footage of Luigi's high-profile arrest was played to the audience…which drew thunderous applause and several whoops of cheers. Still, it was August's view of the suspected shooter that raised some eyebrows.
He didn't just appear in one Outfit similar to a widely circulated image of the suspect during the manhunt this month… He then stripped off his clothes, revealing his shirtless body covered in blue paint – a look reminiscent of one of Luigi's viral college photos.
As the song continued, August pulled a flowing black cloak from his backpack and placed a witch's hat on his head… everything melted together Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba character from “Wicked” with the suspected assassin.
For those who haven't seen the musical film, this pivotal moment shows Elphaba fleeing the Emerald City after being falsely accused of wreaking havoc… So some might assume that August is talking about Luigi's fall with this performance conveyed.
Unsurprisingly, the number has already generated a huge response online… with many applauding the August set as “art.” However, some were critical of the number… with one person calling it “holy crap.”
Still, August isn't the first artist to combine controversy with pop culture. Remember, famous drag star Trixie Mattel left fans gagging as she took the stage Gypsy Rose Blanchard while lip syncing to “Defying Gravity.”
As they say…imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!!!