UnitedHealth CEO Warned He'll Be 'Next'... After Saying Biz Will Prevent 'Unnecessary Care'
Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group -- the parent company of UnitedHealthcare -- attempted to reassure employees with a message about their business ... only for that to provoke immediate backlash.
Check it out ... the executive addressed staffers in the days after UHC CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in NYC, defending the company's practices -- saying they'll continue to prevent "unnecessary care."
He noted ... "Our role is a critical role, and we make sure that care is safe, appropriate, and is delivered when people need it."
Bill Romanowski I'm Feeling Great ... In Spite Of '20 Documented Concussions'
-
Exclusive
- 68 shares
Bill Romanowski tells TMZ Sports despite the repeated head trauma he suffered during his NFL career, he's still feeling great ... although he admits he has to work at it daily.
The legendary tough guy played linebacker for four different teams in the league from 1988 to 2003 ... and he revealed to us this week he ended up with "20 documented concussions" in that timeframe.
But, he said as of now, he's showing no signs of ill effects from the brain blows -- although he did relent he's working like a dog daily to make sure things stay that way.
BRANDI GLANVILLE Fans Concerned Over Cryptic Post on Social Media ... Brandi Responds
update
9:38 AM PT -- Brandi Glanville has responded to fans asking what happened to her -- saying she's not entirely sure. The 'Real Housewives' star says she's been to doctors to figure it out.
Brandi Glanville has left her fans concerned and puzzled after sharing a selfie of herself with a very cryptic caption.
The former 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' alum took to X (formally Twitter) on Saturday where she posted a selfie of herself makeup free, looking exhausted. The post was vaguely captioned "Sick it!"
Sick it! pic.twitter.com/hrtAzRwOCW
— Brandi Glanville (@BrandiGlanville) December 8, 2024 @BrandiGlanville
Brandi's post quickly garnered attention, with many fans expressing worry for the reality star's well-being. One user commented, "Brandi, this just breaks my heart for you," while another wrote, "What happened? Praying for you!"
Kelsey Grammer Foot Injury Can't Stop Me!!! ... Scoots Through London
Kelsey Grammer wasn’t letting a foot injury slow him down -- he was cruising around London on a scooter like it was no big deal!
The "Frasier" star was all smiles despite rocking a cast on his leg, showing no signs of slowing down as he made his way through the crowds with the help of his trusty transportation Saturday.
Kelsey had one knee on the scooter for balance, and it looks like he probably knew he'd warm up after picking up some speed ... 'cause apart from a sweater and some jeans, the guy wasn't doing a whole lot to bundle up in the chilly British city.
It’s unclear how he got the injury, and it's definitely not the break he needed after wrapping up season two of his "Frasier" revival recently.
But looks like nothing’s putting the brakes on Kelsey!
related articles
Mark Withers Dead at 77 ... Appeared in 'Stranger Things,' 'Magnum, P.I.'
Mark Withers -- a veteran actor who spend decades in the biz and appeared on such shows as "Stranger Things," "Magnum, P.I." and "Dynasty" -- has died.
In a statement to Variety ... Mark's daughter, Jessie, said the cause of death was pancreatic cancer ... and he died Nov. 22.
“He confronted his illness with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft, creating a legacy of warmth, humor, and dedication, along with his remarkable ability to make every role unforgettable," Jessie said.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder SUSPECT MAY HAVE USED VETERINARY GUN ... Can Be Fired Without Bang
The suspect who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan may have used a special weapon more common on farms ... at least according to cops.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters Friday police investigators are looking into the possibility the gunman used a veterinary gun ... a larger gun commonly used on ranches and farms.
Kenny says this specialized, larger firearm is used for animals because, "If an animal has to get put down, the animal can be shot without" the gun causing a loud noise.
Jamie Foxx Recalls 'Near-Death Experience' ... In New Netflix Special
Jamie Foxx is opening up about his hospitalization last year ... describing his mystery health scare as a "near-death experience."
The actor talks about his 2023 stint in an Atlanta hospital in his new Netflix comedy special, "What Had Happened Was."
Jamie recorded the special in October and two of the people in the crowd told CNN Jamie revealed his diagnosis and detailed his recovery.
Phil Robertson Diagnosed With Alzheimer's Disease
"Duck Dynasty" patriarch Phil Robertson is suffering from a brain disorder.
Phil's family revealed he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in the latest episode of the "Unashamed with The Robertson Family" podcast.
December 2024
Jase Robertson also said doctors told them Phil is suffering from a blood disease that's causing all kinds of problems, and it's only getting worse.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Suspect Has Fled Big Apple ... Police Commissioner Says
UPDATE
3:22 PM PT -- According to CNN ... an NYPD spokesperson says a backpack found in Central Park is being investigated as possibly belonging to the suspect wanted for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
As TMZ reported yesterday, the backpack appears to be an Everyday Backpack from Peak Design ... a bag meant for serious photographers but designed for casual use as well.
The manhunt for the suspect who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan is expanding beyond New York City ... because cops think he fled the Big Apple.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tish told CNN that NYPD investigators have reason to believe the suspect is no longer in town.
As we reported ... police believe the gunman arrived in NYC last month on a bus from Atlanta and shacked up in a hostel, using a fake ID to check in, before Wednesday's shooting outside a Manhattan hotel.
Demi Moore Bruce Is In a 'Very Stable Place' ... Amid Ongoing Dementia Battle
Demi Moore has given a heartwarming update on ex-husband Bruce Willis' dementia battle ... announcing the actor is doing well in the year-plus since his family revealed his diagnosis.
The actress opened up about her ex's condition during a recent sit-down with CNN, where she confirmed the action star was "in a very stable place at the moment."
She added ... "And I’ve shared this before, but I really mean this so sincerely. It’s so important for anybody who’s dealing with this to really meet them where they’re at, and from that place, there is such loving and joy."
UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Private Security Firms Flooded With 'Knee-Jerk' Calls ... Long-Term Exec Protection Likely Won't Change
-
Exclusive
- 199 shares
Private security firms have been inundated with calls since the cold-blooded murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson ... but the high-profile case won't necessarily change how companies protect execs long-term, TMZ is told.
In the days since Thompson was shot dead on the streets of NYC ... multiple private security firms have been flooded with service inquiries and price quotes.
Ian Dahlberg, owner of Dahlcore Security Guard Services, tells TMZ ... there has been a noticeable uptick in calls -- from executes looking for private security to film studios wanting to beef up guards on the lot.
United Healthcare CEO Murder Suspect's Central Park Strategy Possibly Altered Appearance
-
Exclusive
- 716 shares
The suspect who killed United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson may have disappeared into Central Park after the shooting Wednesday morning in a premeditated attempt to evade cameras ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell us ... The suspect rode an e-bike on Center Drive into Central Park after the shooting seemingly with the knowledge the multi-block blackout area would provide cover as he disposed of evidence.
We're told there are no surveillance cameras INSIDE the park, but there are some at the entrances and exits of the famous Manhattan oasis. This may surprise many people in a city known for its multitude of cameras on streets and businesses everywhere.
Randy Moss Stepping Away From ESPN Gig ... Battle With 'Personal Health Challenge' Continues
Randy Moss is stepping away from his role on "Sunday NFL Countdown" ... to focus on his battle with an undisclosed health issue.
ESPN announced the move Friday morning ... explaining the Hall of Famer will be gone for "an extended time" as he continues to deal with "a personal health challenge."
Randy Moss opens "Sunday NFL Countdown" by sharing with viewers that he and his family are "battling something internally" and he will be wearing glasses throughout the show. pic.twitter.com/7bOY6LGcWJ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 1, 2024 @awfulannouncing
Moss first made his fans aware of his medical ailment on Dec. 1 ... though he kept things vague, saying merely he's "battling something internal."
UnitedHealthCare CEO Murder Competing Companies Scrub Online Leadership Bios ... Fear Of Being Next?
Following the execution of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson by a gunman in NYC, the insurance company and several competitors have scrubbed online bios of their execs.
UnitedHealthcare’s "About Us" page used to display the resumes of its senior leadership, including Thompson's, but now users are redirected to a generic tab solely covering background info about the corporation.
Other health insurers have followed suit ... Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's 25 plus executive profiles have been wiped from its "About Us" page.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Walks Backs Controversial Policy Decision ... After Brian Thompson Murder
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is walking back a controversial policy decision regarding coverage for anesthesia in the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder.
In a statement released Thursday, the company defended its decision to reverse the policy as a response to "significant widespread misinformation" ... though, it was notably timed amid the hunt for Thompson's shooter.
ABCBS shared the now-controversial policy was never meant "to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services" ... rather, the "proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines."
Ariana Grande Body-Shamers Are Way Too Comfortable!!! 'Really Dangerous'
Ariana Grande expressed strong feelings while opening up about body-shamers ... confessing it’s been overwhelming dealing with endless opinions on what people think she should look like, but making it clear she has no time for them.
The actress was continuing on with her "Wicked" promo duties alongside Cynthia Erivo on the "Oui Oui Baguette" web series when she spilled about the never-ending struggle -- you fix what people say is wrong, and just like that, they've got another problem for other reasons.
Ariana got real about how body-shaming hit her hard in the past, starting as a teenager in the biz, and how tough it’s been to shield herself from all that constant noise since.