Mandy Moore has responded to criticisms after some of her followers accused her of seeking financial assistance for her family impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.
The artist and performer is among the numerous individuals affected by the severe Californian wildfires. These fires are currently sweeping through Los Angeles neighborhoods, having already decimated thousands of structures, homes, and expansive areas of land.
The confirmed death toll is at 10, with authorities expressing concern that anticipated high winds could exacerbate the situation, potentially resulting in more casualties.
At a White House briefing on Thursday, January 9, President Joe Biden assured that the federal government would provide California with 100 percent financial support for 180 days to combat the fire crisis.
Unfortunately, many have already lost everything, including Moore’s family members who have been rendered homeless by the blazes.
The ‘Candy’ singer revealed that her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Griff and Katt Goldsmith, lost their home and all their belongings in the Eaton fire, just weeks before the arrival of their first child.
Matthew Koma, Hilary Duff’s husband, organized a fundraiser describing how Griff, a touring musician, lost all his drums and studio equipment to the fire, essential for his livelihood.
Moore shared this and other fundraisers with her millions of Instagram followers, including a GoFundMe for her family.
However, she received backlash for promoting the fundraiser, prompting her to respond: “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 GoFundMe and I’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them.”
Critics highlighted Moore’s estimated $14 million net worth, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth, and condemned her request as insensitive.
One Instagram user commented: “Yikes… Not a good look from someone of her means.
“The audacity of a multimillionaire asking everyday people who live paycheck to paycheck to donate to her family member, when she could easily give the full goal amount without it affecting her family financially in any way.”
Another stated: “Wow millionaires having GoFundMe’s. Just the nerve.”
“You have an obscene amount of money,” added a third. “I think you could help your own family and also some others while you’re at it.”
In a subsequent edit to her Instagram post, Moore addressed the criticism, saying: “We just lost most of our life in a fire too. Kindly F OFF. No one is forcing you to do anything.”
Moore had earlier disclosed that her home had been partially destroyed, but emphasized that ‘everyone we know lost everything’, including nearby residences.
Nonetheless, some individuals defended Moore, suggesting that critics lacked empathy for her situation.
One supporter wrote: “What is with the lack of compassion? Everyone in these areas lost everything including Mandy. Let’s lift each other up.
“Celebrity or not, she’s just a person and she’s asking for help for her family. Anyone would do the same.”
To aid those impacted by the fires, you can donate to the Red Cross online, call (800) 733-2767 or text REDCROSS to 90999.