Hybristophilia may seem innocuous but has some major potential side effects and consequences
The recent arrest of Luigi Mangione, a 26 year old connected to the murder of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, has brought an unusual mental condition into the spotlight. Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to murder, became an unexpected internet sensation with his face flooding social media and news outlets.
But it’s not his alleged criminal acts that captured public attention; it’s his looks. This phenomenon sheds light on Hybristophilia – the term for those attracted to individuals who commit crimes, sometimes known as “Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome”. Idolising criminals isn’t something new, but as relationships with notorious figures bloom online, Anne-Sofie Koktved from DatingXperten. de cautions that such fixations could signal deeper issues and potentially have dire consequences offline.
She emphasised: “Romanticising criminals, no matter how charismatic they appear, often reveals deeper relational issues, such as a subconscious acceptance of harmful behaviours or an attraction to dominance that can mask control or manipulation. Understanding the psychology behind this attraction is crucial for breaking harmful cycles and focusing on building healthy, balanced relationships.”
She cautioned that individuals with hybristophilia may consistently encounter five specific patterns in all their adult relationships:.
- Ignoring harmful behaviour
- Power imbalances
- Seeking validation
- Feeling emotionally unfulfilled or distant
- Overlooking or justifying red flags
The expert highlighted that these warning signs of hybristophilia can often lead people into unhealthy or even abusive relationships without them realising. Worsening the situation, they likely extend the same leniency they show towards infamous criminals like the Ivy-league student to their partners, excusing their crimes or abusive tendencies and deliberately seeking out partners who are overpowering or overly dominant.
As a result of their parasocial relationships with these notorious criminals, they may be more prone to justify or completely disregard warning signs of abuse or toxicity in their everyday lives while yearning for the emotional validation and security they aren’t receiving from the famous person they admire. She urgently advised those who might recognise these signs in their relationships to seek expert advice and support if needed to escape these hybristophilia dynamics.
This mental phenomenon has been increasing over recent years, largely due to social media. Aside from Luigi, the most recent surge of hybristophilia was Jeremy Meeks.
Back in 2014, the blue-eyed gang member was nabbed on felony weapons charges. He pleaded guilty in 2015, but not before his mug shot took social media by storm, with women worldwide swooning over his good looks.
In a twist of fate, this case of hybristophilia seemingly turned his life around. The then 30 year old was quickly snapped up by a modelling agency and has been gracing runways instead of prison cells ever since.