
If you’ve been following the news this week, you’re likely aware that several large fires are raging across Los Angeles. The fires, including the Pacific Palisades and Eaton blazes, have collectively scorched over 26,000 acres, displaced more than 150,000 residents, and tragically claimed at least 16 lives.
Over 26,000 acres have been burned, making this the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history. Entire towns have been obliterated, thousands of people have lost everything, and the relentless Santa Ana winds are only intensifying the devastation.
Related: LA Fires Leave Disney Celebrities Grappling with Personal Loss
As devastating fires continue to ravage Los Angeles, leaving a trail of destruction, many individuals, including celebrities, are stepping forward to share their stories of loss and resilience.
Mandy Moore, the beloved star of Disney’s Tangled (2010) and NBC’s This Is Us, has found herself at the center of an unexpected controversy after sharing a GoFundMe page to assist her family members.
A Devastating Loss
Among those affected is Mandy Moore, who shared heart-wrenching images of her neighborhood in Altadena, California, where she and her family have lived. While her house remains standing, it is uninhabitable, and many of her neighbors, including her in-laws and best friends, lost everything.
In a post on Instagram, Moore detailed the heartbreaking destruction her family endured:
We were able to park and walk up our street to bear witness to all the loss. Miraculously, the main part of our house is still standing. For now. It’s not livable but mostly intact. We lost Taylor and griffin’s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned. We lost our garage and back house. Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone. My in laws. My brother and sister in law- 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends. Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong.
Her emotional post, signed with “Altadena strong,” reflected her determination to support her community during this trying time.
View this post on Instagram
Related: REPORT: Disneyland Supports Cast Members With Emergency Rates Amid LA Wildfire Crisis
Sharing Support Amid Criticism
As her family grapples with the aftermath, Moore’s brother-in-law, a touring musician, and his pregnant wife face the challenge of rebuilding their lives.
To aid them, a family friend created a GoFundMe page, which Moore shared on her Instagram:
Yesterday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Griff & Kit lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire. With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever. Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living. It’s all so much. So many have asked how to help during this unimaginable and stressful time…Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild.
Link in bio and all the love….
Related: Wildfires Continue: Thousands of Disney Cast Members Affected, Bob Iger Announces $15 Million in Aid
While the intention behind the post was to mobilize support, it faced unexpected backlash. Critics took issue with the request, pointing out Moore’s estimated net worth and arguing that she should cover the costs herself.
Addressing the Backlash
Moore responded to the criticism with a revised post, clarifying her reasons for sharing the fundraiser and addressing her detractors directly:
****And 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. Our buddy Matt started this go fund me and i’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them. We just lost most of our life in a fire too. Kindly F OFF. no one is forcing you to do anything.
View this post on Instagram
Her unfiltered response highlights the emotional toll the fires have taken, not only in terms of material loss but also the strain of public scrutiny during a time of immense personal hardship.
A Broader Call for Help
Despite the backlash, Moore’s post underscores the broader need for support in the wake of the fires. Organizations such as the California Fire Foundation and World Central Kitchen have stepped in to provide relief, and Moore encouraged others to donate to these causes to help the thousands who remain displaced.
If you are looking to help those impacted by the Los Angeles fires, here are some places you can donate to:
California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund: https://www.cafirefoundation.org/what-we-do/for-communities/disaster-relief
California Community Foundation: https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/
World Central Kitchen World Central Kitchen: https://donate.wck.org/give/499865/?_gl=1*1xkrdmj*_gcl_au*MTk5MDIxMzExMS4xNzM2Mzc0ODk2*_ga*ODkwNjgzOTc0LjE3MzYzNzQ4OTY.*_ga_5WKVY8503C*MTczNjM4MzQ3OS4yLjAuMTczNjM4MzQ4MC41OS4wLjA.#!/donation/checkout?c_src=navbar
Dream Center: https://dcf.dreamcenter.org/relief
Direct Relief: https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/california-wildfires/
The California Community Fund: https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/
Unfortunately, it’s unclear how much longer it will take for firefighters to contain the fires, or how much more damage they will cause in the meantime. With the return of powerful Santa Ana winds, progress remains incredibly difficult.
We keep the people of Los Angeles in our thoughts during this dangerous and heartbreaking time. May they find strength in each other and come back even stronger.