Celebrities Who Are Under Fire amid Los Angeles Tragedy – Names & Details

Some celebrities have been accused of using the tragedy for self-promotion, while others have drawn criticism for their perceived insensitivity. This article looks closely at the public responses to stars like Kim Kardashian, Mandy Moore, and Chrissy Teigen, whose actions have sparked heated debates.

Kelly Osbourne Questions Celebrity Motives Amid Tragedy

One of the celebrities who have openly criticized their peers during the Los Angeles wildfires is Kelly Osbourne. In a since-deleted TikTok video, the TV personality called out stars she believes are using the disaster to gain publicity.

“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?” she said in the video.

Osbourne went on to express her frustration, stating, “I don’t believe you help because you get attention for helping. I believe you help because you want to… No one asked you to come out and give hugs. Go home.”

While Osbourne refrained from naming names, her comments came as multiple celebrities were sharing photos and videos of themselves helping wildfire victims.

Tommy Lee Criticizes Online Self-Promotion During the Wildfires

Tommy Lee, drummer of Mötley Crüe, also voiced his frustration with how some people—celebrities included—are handling the wildfire crisis. Taking to Instagram, Lee criticized those who he believes are using the tragedy as a chance to promote themselves.

“Makes me sick to see most people just caring about posting on lame social media!” he wrote in his post. “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 acknowledged the value of humor and positivity but urged people to stay mindful of the situation. He added, “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.”

While Lee did not single out anyone by name, his comments aligned with similar criticisms made by other public figures. One such figure is Justine Bateman, who directly targeted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relief efforts.

Justine Bateman Criticizes Harry and Meghan

Actress Bateman openly criticized the couple for their approach to wildfire relief efforts, accusing them of turning the tragedy into a public relations opportunity. In a strongly worded tweet, Bateman referred to the couple as “ambulance chasers” and described their visit to a food bank as a “repulsive photo op.”

“They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists,” she wrote. The actress also used the term “disaster tourists” to describe the couple.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been photographed handing out food and meeting wildfire victims and first responders in Pasadena. As scrutiny of celebrity responses to the wildfires grew, attention also turned to Kim Kardashian.

Kim Kardashian Faces Criticism from Danny Trejo Over Timing

Kim Kardashian used her platform to call attention to the low wages paid to incarcerated firefighters risking their lives to battle the Los Angeles wildfires. In an Instagram story, Kardashian highlighted that inmate firefighters earn just $1 an hour, a figure that hasn’t been adjusted since 1984.

“There are hundreds of incarcerated firefighters, risking their lives to save us,” she wrote. “They get paid almost nothing, risk their lives, and some have died… I see them as heroes.” She also tagged California Governor Gavin Newsom in her post, urging for reforms to the pay structure for inmate crews.

“Helping the victims should be the sole focus right now,” Trejo stated, adding that turning the crisis into a platform for advocacy was not appropriate. Trejo took particular issue with Kardashian’s comments, arguing that inmate firefighters voluntarily join the program to earn reduced sentences, which is often their primary motivation.

“For these convicted criminals, a reduced sentence is what they care about,” he said. Trejo also pointed out that much of the money inmates earn goes toward restitution payments, making wage increases less impactful than Kardashian implied.

As conversations surrounding Kardashian’s post continued, Mandy Moore became another celebrity under fire—this time for sharing a family fundraiser linked 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. In a now-deleted Instagram post, Moore explained that the couple had “lost absolutely everything,” just weeks before the birth of their first child.

Griff, a touring musician, also lost his drum collection and studio equipment, tools essential for his career. “With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever,” Moore wrote.

However, the post sparked backlash, with critics questioning why Moore, a prominent actress, couldn’t fully cover the costs 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 stated. Moore also clarified that the campaign was created at the request of others who wanted to help, not as a substitute for her own support.

The backlash prompted Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, to publicly defend Moore, calling her “the nicest frickin’ lady ever.” In a TikTok video, Pratt praised Moore’s character and warned critics to stop attacking her.

“If you were nice in 2004, you’re still nice in 2025,” Pratt said. “She’s not doing anything out of pocket—she’s posting GoFundMes, that’s great.” Scrutiny extended to other stars, including Chrissy Teigen, whose posts about evacuating her family also stirred controversy.

Chrissy Teigen Draws Criticism Over Evacuation Posts

Teigen came under fire after sharing a series of social media posts documenting her family’s evacuation during the Los Angeles wildfires. In one Instagram story, Teigen posted a mirror selfie taken in her closet while packing, writing, “This is surreal. I’m very scared now. Packing.”

She followed it with videos of her family safely settled in a hotel, including footage of her husband, John Legend, their dogs, and even her pet bearded dragon resting on her chest. The posts immediately drew criticism online.

A Facebook user wrote, “Why would she submit this tone-deaf picture of her extensive closet to People magazine at a time like this?” Another commented, “She’s standing there ‘crying,’ and John is taking pictures of her to post on Instagram?”

One user sarcastically remarked, “May be the only time she thinks of someone besides herself… no, guess not.” Some critics viewed her posts as self-serving, questioning her motives. “But she takes the time to take her picture,” one person noted. Another added, “Posting on social media for attention, typical Teigen narcissistic behavior.”

The Los Angeles wildfires have not only devastated communities but also ignited heated debates about how celebrities respond to crises. While many stars have used their platforms to offer help and raise awareness, their actions have been closely scrutinized.