Celebrities Facing Backlash During the Los Angeles Tragedy – What’s Happening?
Celebrities Who Are Under Fire amid Los Angeles Tragedy – Names & Details
Several celebrities’ acts throughout the crisis have drawn criticism as the Los Angeles wildfires continue to cause extensive destruction. Claims of insensitivity, self-promotion, and dubious behavior have provoked contentious discussions, with prominent figures at the core of the dispute.
Numerous homes have been destroyed, thousands have been displaced, and people have been killed in the devastating damage caused by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Celebrities have stepped in to support the community’s recovery efforts by using their platforms to spread awareness and provide encouragement. All of these initiatives haven’t been well received, though.
While some celebrities have come under fire for their alleged insensitivity, others have been charged with exploiting the tragedy for personal gain. Their behavior has provoked intense discussions from celebrities including Chrissy Teigen, Mandy Moore, and Kim Kardashian.
Amid tragedy, Kelly Osbourne questions the motivations of celebrities.
Kelly Osbourne is among the celebrities who have publicly chastised their peers amid the wildfires in Los Angeles. The TV personality criticized celebrities who she feels are exploiting the tragedy for publicity in a TikTok video that has since been removed.
“Is it just me being my usual cynical self, or is it really disturbing seeing these celebrities using other people’s pain and suffering as a photo op?” As she stated in the video.
“I don’t believe you help because you get attention for helping,” Osbourne continued, expressing her dissatisfaction. I think you assist because you wish to You weren’t invited to come out and hug anyone. Go home.”
While Osbourne refrained from identifying individuals, her words came as other celebrities were sharing photographs and videos of themselves aiding wildfire victims.
Tommy Lee Criticizes Online Self-Promotion During the Wildfires
Tommy Lee, drummer of Mötley Crüe, also stated his disgust with how some people—celebrities included—are handling the wildfire problem. Taking to Instagram, Lee attacked others who he believes are using the tragedy as a way to promote themselves.
In his article, he expressed his displeasure at the fact that most individuals only care about posting on uninteresting social networking platforms. “Guys, right now, nobody [cares] when your record drops or [when] the next concert is when so many people are in the middle of one of the biggest disasters of all time!”
Lee encouraged people to remain aware of the circumstances while acknowledging the importance of comedy and optimism. He said, “I get that some comic relief is always needed, but leave it alone and maybe just stop and see who needs help if you can.”
Although Lee did not specifically name anyone, his remarks were consistent with other public figures’ complaints of the same kind. Justine Bateman is one such individual who specifically targeted the rescue efforts of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Bateman, Justine criticizes Meghan and Harry
The couple’s handling of wildfire rescue efforts was publicly criticized by actress Bateman, who accused them of utilizing the disaster as a publicity stunt. Bateman called the couple “ambulance chasers” in a highly worded tweet, calling their visit to a food pantry a “repulsive photo op.”
Are they ‘touring the damage’ at this point? Are they now politicians? They don’t live here; they are tourists,” she wrote. The actress referred to the couple as “disaster tourists” as well.
In Pasadena, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were pictured distributing meals and interacting with firefighters and wildfire victims. Kim Kardashian came under increased scrutiny as the public’s interest in the celebrities’ reactions to the wildfires increased.
Danny Trejo Criticism of Kim Kardashian Improper Timing
Kim Kardashian used her position to draw attention to the inadequate pay for jailed firefighters who risk their lives fighting the wildfires in Los Angeles. Kardashian brought attention to the fact that inmate firefighters only make $1 per hour—a wage that hasn’t been changed since 1984—in an Instagram story.
“There are hundreds of incarcerated firefighters, risking their lives to save us,” she stated. “They risk their lives for virtually nothing, and some have lost their lives as a result. They are heroes in my eyes. In her post, she also called for changes to the compensation system for inmate crews and tagged California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“At this time, the only focus should be on helping the victims,” Trejo said, adding that it was inappropriate to use the situation as a platform for campaigning. Trejo criticized Kardashian’s remarks in particular, claiming that the main reason inmate firefighters join the program is to receive reduced sentences.
“For these convicted criminals, a reduced sentence is what they care about,” he stated. Trejo also noted that wage hikes had less of an impact than Kardashian suggested since a large portion of the money earned by prisoners is used for restitution payments.
Mandy Moore became another well-known figure under criticism as discussions about Kardashian’s post persisted, this time for posting a family fundraising connected to the wildfires.
Mandy Moore Faces Backlash for Fundraiser
Mandy Moore faced criticism after sharing a GoFundMe campaign for her in-laws, Griff and Kit Goldsmith, who lost their home in the Eaton Fire. Moore allegedly said that the pair had “lost absolutely everything,” only weeks before the birth of their first child, in an Instagram post that has since been removed.
Griff, a traveling musician, also lost his studio equipment and drum collection, which were vital to his work. “With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever,” wrote Moore.
But the tweet provoked criticism, with others wondering why Moore, a well-known actress, couldn’t pay for it herself. In response to the criticism, Moore defended her decision to share the fundraiser.
“People questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic. Of course we are,” she reportedly stated. Moore further noted that the campaign was started at the request of those who wished to help, not as a substitute for her own support.
The outrage spurred Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, to publicly support Moore, calling her “the nicest frickin’ lady ever.” In a TikTok video, Pratt complimented Moore’s character and cautioned naysayers to stop assaulting her.
“If you were nice in 2004, you’re still nice in 2025,” Pratt added. “She’s not doing anything out of pocket—she’s posting GoFundMes, that’s great.” Other celebrities were also under scrutiny, such as Chrissy Teigen, whose posts about her family’s evacuation sparked debate.
Chrissy Teigen Gets Backlash for Her Posts About Evacuation
After publishing a number of social media photos detailing her family’s escape during the Los Angeles wildfires, Teigen faced criticism. Teigen said, “This is surreal,” beside a mirror picture she took in her closet while packing in one Instagram story. Now I’m really afraid. “Packing.”
Videos of her family securely residing in a hotel, including her husband John Legend, their dogs, and even her bearded dragon pet curled up on her bosom, were shown after it. Online users quickly criticized the posts.
Someone on Facebook asked, “Why would she submit this tone-deaf picture of her extensive closet to People magazine at a time like this?” Someone else said, “She’s standing there ‘crying,’ and John is taking pictures of her to post on Instagram?”
A user made the mocking comment, “Maybe the only time she thinks of someone besides herself… no, guess not.” Her posts were perceived as self-serving by some critics, who questioned her intentions. According to one commenter, “But she takes the time to take her picture,” Another stated, “Posting on social media for attention, typical Teigen narcissistic behavior.”
In addition to destroying communities, the flames in Los Angeles have sparked contentious discussions about how famous people handle emergencies. Although many celebrities have raised awareness and offered assistance through their platforms, their behavior has come under intense scrutiny.
