Wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Southern California, and numerous communities have been forced to face unprecedented destruction. However, the crisis has also sparked conversations about disaster relief, accountability and celebrity involvement, with some stepping up while others face criticism.
Kardashians called out for water overuse
Among the celebrities addressing the fires are the Kardashians –– but not in a favorable light.
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Over the weekend, Khloé Kardashian shared an interview with Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley on her Instagram story. Crowley said she had asked Mayor Karen Bass for funding to repair fire hydrants and engines. Khloé tagged the mayor, writing, “Karen Bass, you are a joke.”
However, controversy arose when a 2022 report resurfaced, highlighting that Khloé and Kim Kardashian exceeded water usage limits during the city’s drought. Together, the sisters reportedly used 333,000 gallons—enough to fill half an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Harry and Meghan offer support to fire victims
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seen volunteering in Pasadena, meeting with fire victims and distributing food.
“They were serving food anonymously earlier today,” said Pasadena’s mayor, Victor Gordo. “No one knew they were there.”
Markle, whose Netflix series “With Love, Meghan” was meant to premiere Wednesday, Jan. 15, delayed the launch out of respect for the victims. The couple’s website also lists ways to support those affected by the fires.
Mandy Moore faces backlash
Not all celebrity efforts are receiving praise. Actress and singer Mandy Moore was called out after she shared a GoFundMe to support her family members affected by the wildfires.
She revealed that her brother-in-law and sister-in-law lost everything, including their home, with a baby on the way. While the fundraiser reached its $200,000 goal, critics questioned why Moore didn’t cover the cost herself.
In response, Moore assured fans she had supported her family and told critics to “Kindly F off.” Although her home remained mostly intact, the fires destroyed her garage, music studio and back house.
Oscars schedule shifts amid crisis
Meanwhile, Hollywood is feeling the effects of the wildfires. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced changes to its Oscars schedule.
The Academy extended the voting period for nominations. They will announce the nominees on Jan. 23 instead of the original Jan. 17 date.
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Fire containment efforts continue
As of Monday, Jan. 13, Cal Fire reported three active fires burning in Los Angeles. The Hurst Fire is 95% contained, but the Palisades Fire—the largest and most damaging—has burned over 23,000 acres and is only 14% contained.
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Wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Southern California, leaving communities scrambling to recover.
But the flames aren’t just sparking conversation about disaster relief – there’s also growing buzz about accountability, celebrity involvement, and how we’re all stepping up or in some cases, falling short.
Among the celebrities weighing in are the Kardashians – but not in the way you might expect.
Over the weekend, Khloe Kardashian shared an interview with Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley on her Instagram story, in which Crowley claimed she asked Mayor Karen Bass for funding to repair fire hydrants and engines. In her post, Khloe tagged the mayor saying, “Karen Bass, you are a joke.”
But this is where the controversy comes in – a 2022 report resurfaced, highlighting the celebrities who exceeded water limits during the city’s drought. Among them? Khloe and her sister Kim. Together, they overused 333,000 gallons of water, enough to fill half an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were spotted lending a hand in Pasadena. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with fire victims and worked with volunteers to distribute food.
“We were here earlier today and they were serving food anonymously. No one knew they were serving food.”
Meghan, who has a new Netflix series titled “With Love, Meghan” set to premiere January 15th, delayed the premiere out of respect for the victims. The couple’s website also lists ways to support people in need at this time.
But it’s not just the people in need of support right now. The wildfires have also overwhelmed local animal shelters with organizations from California and beyond working to rescue and foster displaced pets.
As we reported last week, Hollywood has put several events on pause due to the wildfires. The latest – the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announces they are adjusting their Oscars schedule. The nominations voting period has been extended and the nominations announcement will now take place January 23rd.
But while Hollywood adjusts, not everyone’s efforts are being met with applause.
Actress Mandy Moore is facing backlash after sharing a GoFundMe to support her family members affected by the wildfires. She revealed her brother-in-law and sister-in-law lost everything they own, with a baby on the way.
While her family raised more than 200,000 dollars, critics questioned why Moore didn’t simply cover the cost herself. She responded, assuring that she did support her family, and told critics to quote “kindly F off.”
Moore’s own home was mostly still standing despite her garage, music studio, and back house being destroyed.
According to Cal Fire, as of Monday, there are still 3 active fires burning in Los Angeles. The Hurst Fire is mostly contained at 95 percent, but the largest and most damaging – the Palisades Fire – has burned over 23,000 acres and is only 14 percent contained.
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