Supporters have rallied around Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag after they tragically lost their home to the destructive wildfires in Los Angeles.
The fires continue to ravage Los Angeles, a week after the initial outbreak, causing widespread destruction, prompting mass evacuations, and leading to a death toll of at least 24 with many still unaccounted for.
Authorities report that three fires remain active in areas such as Palisades, Easton, and Hurst, devastating thousands of acres, including numerous residences and structures.
The fires in Palisades and Eaton are now ranked among the most destructive in California’s history, with Governor Gavin Newsom labeling the disaster as ‘one of the worst natural disasters in US history’.
Among those affected are numerous celebrities, including Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag from The Hills, who lost their home overnight.
The family, including their two sons, fortunately, evacuated safely, though their Pacific Palisades home was destroyed. Pratt noted watching the destruction via security cameras.
Since then, Pratt has been sharing the emotional journey and aftermath on social media, gaining support and increasing his followers significantly on TikTok.
The 41-year-old humorously commented on his newfound online popularity: “Who would’ve thought all I needed was our house to burn down to finally hit a million. Can’t believe I didn’t think of that sooner.”
Pop culture enthusiasts recall Pratt and Montag’s fame in the early 2000s and their current resurgence in the public eye.
A Twitter user noted: “[Spencer] has been making hilarious and surprisingly relatable TikTok’s documenting life after the fire, parenting struggles and yes, unapologetically promoting Heidi’s old album.”
Heidi Montag’s 2010 debut album, Superficial, once a commercial failure, has climbed the iTunes charts thanks to Pratt’s social media promotion.
One fan tweeted: “I’ve spent the better half of my Saturday keeping up with Spencer Pratt and he literally got the whole TikTok/Instagram community to listen to Heidi’s album until it climbed the charts.
“He will always be famous! What a great husband”, she added.
In addition to Spencer’s promotion, figures like Perez Hilton and Emily Ratajkowski have also supported Montag’s album to aid the couple financially in rebuilding their lives. Rumors suggest Pitbull might collaborate on a remix.
Montag expressed gratitude to fans on Instagram for the overwhelming support and for propelling her album to the top of the charts.
Another fan wrote: “Spencer Pratt crying on live is honestly so heartbreaking to watch. He was never the monster MTV painted him out to be. He’s loved Heidi and taken such great care of her and their relationship.”
Some suggest the couple should have their own reality TV show as they rebuild, with American columnist Meghan McCain noting it would attract a large audience.
Pratt has also defended Mandy Moore against criticism for promoting a GoFundMe for her family and announced plans to sue the State of California for negligence with the fire.
Paris Hilton shared the loss of her Malibu home due to the fires, expressing her heartbreak and disbelief at the destruction.
She wrote: “I’m standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable. When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock—I couldn’t process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces.”
Mandy Moore also expressed her devastation as her Altadena neighborhood was ‘leveled’ by the fires.
The This Is Us star wrote on Instagram: “This is Altadena. Leveled. My sweet home.
“I am devastated and gutted for those of us who’ve lost so much. I’m absolutely numb.”
Anna Faris, known for her role in Scary Movie, lost her home in the Pacific Palisades.
People magazine reported that she and her family are safe and grateful for their safety.
Ricki Lake, a star of Hairspray, revealed the loss of her cherished ‘dream home’ in Malibu due to the fires.
“It’s all gone. I can’t believe I am typing these words,” she began. “It was our heaven on earth. The place where we planned to grow old together.
“We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved Malibu for granted, not even for one second.
“I shared our sunset views almost daily with all of you.”
Lake plans to share her experience of escaping soon, but for now, she is mourning the loss.
Songwriter and Academy Award honoree Diane Warren shared that her residence of nearly three decades was destroyed, but remains hopeful.
She noted: “There’s a rainbow shining on it, which I’m taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy.
“The animals and the rescue ranch are OK tho which is the most important thing. Stay safe everyone.”
When Harry Met Sally actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice also lost their long-time home in the fires, left with only their tennis court.
Crystal stated: “We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away.