Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lexi Alexander is facing intense backlash after sharing a Luigi Mangione meme one day after Bank of America executive Erin Piacenti was fatally stabbed in Times Square. Piacenti, a 32-year-old wife and new mother, was reportedly attacked at random shortly after completing her first day back at work following maternity leave. Alexander’s post featured Batman looking toward a bat signal displaying Mangione’s face. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024.
Alexander shared the meme on social media Tuesday, one day after Piacenti was killed. ... received more than 36,000 likes, but it also prompted an angry response from users who believed the timing made it insensitive. Alexander claimed that some of the backlash was coming from a “Hasbara bot farm,” referencing Israel’s public diplomacy efforts.
The Palestinian-American director linked the criticism to her calls for people to boycott Bank of America because of the financial institution’s ties to Israel. She also shared a January article from Haaretz concerning Bank of America’s calls to invest in Israeli companies.
Rather than removing the meme, Alexander shared articles criticizing her post and joked about the attention she was receiving. “Can’t get this kind of press when I promote a movie, but post a Luigi meme and they’re all over you,” she wrote. “No wonder everybody constantly sounds crazy on here.”
Alexander is best known for directing “Green Street Hooligans.” Her short film “Johnny Flynton” received an Academy Award nomination.
Many social media users objected not only to Alexander’s original post but also to her continued responses. Attorney Mark Yzaguirre accused the filmmaker of celebrating the death of an innocent woman. “A young woman was murdered while innocently walking down the street, and you are celebrating. You are absolute human garbage, and I suspect you know that deep-down,” he wrote.
Another critic attempted to connect Alexander’s political views to the circumstances surrounding the Times Square attack. “You know you’ve lost the plot when your politics are indistinguishable from that of a crazy woman that attacks random people with knives,” the person wrote.
Alexander continued posting calls to boycott Bank of America while responding to the criticism. When one user cited online estimates placing her net worth between approximately $1 million and $3 million, Alexander disputed the claim. “Lol I so wish that was true,” she replied.
Erin Piacenti Had Just Returned From Maternity Leave
The controversy unfolded as heartbreaking information about Piacenti’s final day emerged. The Bank of America vice president had reportedly just completed her first day back from maternity leave when she was stabbed in Times Square on Monday.
Authorities identified the alleged attacker as 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros. Cisneros also allegedly stabbed an elderly man, leaving him in critical condition. Responding police officers shot and killed Cisneros.
Bank Of America Mourns Its ‘Valued Teammate’
3Bank of America released a statement expressing its condolences following Piacenti’s death. “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague,” the company said. “She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to her family and all of her loved ones.”
An online fundraiser has been established to support Piacenti’s daughter as she grows up without her mother. A photograph accompanying the campaign showed Piacenti smiling while holding Madison beside her husband.
“Erin’s life was defined not by the circumstances of her death, but instead by the way she lived,” a tribute on the fundraiser stated. “Erin was deeply devoted to her family and friends, exceptionally bright and accomplished, and was someone who brought warmth and energy to the people around her.”
Fundraiser Will Support Erin Piacenti’s Daughter
3The tribute revealed that Erin and Frank had recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary and returned from a family road trip. “Erin and Frank celebrated their second wedding anniversary this summer, had just returned from a family road trip upon her passing, and were preparing to build a life together with their new daughter,” it said. “That life changed incomprehensibly in an instant.”
Organizers said the money raised would be used to help provide for Madison while ensuring she grows up knowing who her mother was. “Funds raised will be dedicated to supporting Madison as she grows up surrounded by the family, friends, stories, and memories that will allow her to know just how remarkable her mother was,” they said.