As flames engulfed Los Angeles, leaving destruction behind, images of charred landscapes dominated the news. The Palisades Fire spread across 23,707 acres, becoming one of the most destructive wildfires in California’s history. Among the homes that turned to ash were the extravagant mansions belonging to celebrities, such as supermodel Tyra Banks and socialite Paris Hilton, sparking a wave of criticism online. Even though they will be able to continue living comfortably, it is not fair to measure someone’s pain by the size of their bank account.
Users on social media have been quick to comment on celebrities’ posts announcing the loss of their homes. One user wrote, “Who cares? They’ve got enough money; they wouldn’t have to worry about anything for a hundred lifetimes.” Another said, “Are we supposed to feel sorry for the 1% and celebrity population who lost their homes in this fire and can afford to buy 20 more?” However, wealth does not make grief any less significant.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Bozoma “Boz” Saint John was one of many celebrities who lost their homes. “This is the house I wanted. The house I prayed for. The house I worked in blood, sweat and tears for,” Saint John stated. She further explained that her Malibu home had been open to friends and family who needed it.
Although Saint John shares glimpses of her extravagant lifestyle on TV, her loss is significant. After working tirelessly to climb the corporate ladder as a marginalized individual in her field, the former Netflix chief marketing officer built a deep emotional connection to her home — a space where her family and friends could thrive. This loss should not be dismissed simply because of her 90210 zip code.
“The Hills” star Heidi Montag revealed on Jan. 8 that her home was ravaged by the fires. She turned to her 1.4 million TikTok followers for support, and just four days later, her hit single “I’ll Do It” reached No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes charts — 15 years after the album’s original release. Speaking to Good Morning America, Montag said, “The fan support has been such a light in such darkness for us. And it’s life-changing.”
Celebrities — like Hilton, Trisha Paytas, Diplo and Pitbull — rallied around Montag during this difficult time. Despite the criticism, the LA community has united to support and strengthen one another in the face of this tragedy.
In the midst of the ongoing fires, it is clear that disaster does not pick and choose who suffers. While celebrities may have the resources to rebuild, their grief and loss are no less valid. Instead of criticizing these public figures, this should serve as a reminder that unity in the face of disasters is far stronger than hate. Empathy should not be conditional, and compassion should extend to anyone experiencing loss, regardless of their status.
