Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.
Spencer Pratt has criticised a reporter who pressed him on how he would tackle Los Angeles’ homelessness crisis while he campaigns for mayor.
The former The Hills star is running as a Republican in the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral race, with the election scheduled for June 2.
During an exchange with ABC 7 reporter Josh Haskell, Pratt was asked what he would do about the estimated 40,000 people living on the streets across the city. The question appeared to irritate him, as he argued that substance addiction is the central problem rather than a shortage of places to stay.
“What are your plans for the over 40,000 homeless in Los Angeles?” Haskell asked.
Pratt answered: “Yeah, well, they’re not homeless – they’re drug addicts. Most of these people are addicted to fentanyl and meth.
“There is places for all of these people to sleep in LA. No matter what anybody tells you, we have housing and shelter for everyone living on the street.
He continued his remarks by insisting that people remain outside because they do not want to follow restrictions or give up drug use.
He went on: “They are choosing to be on the street because they wanna do drugs, they don’t want rules, they want to have animals to abuse. This idea that they’re forced on the street right now is a lie that our city is perpetuating.”
Pratt also claimed the city has already spent $24 billion aimed at addressing homelessness, but said many people would rather not move into housing.
He alleged: “These people have been bused in by scam rehabs, scam NGOs, scam homeless nonprofits.
“These people, when I unplug them … they’re all going to Seattle, where the mayor will welcome them.”
Pratt further aimed criticism at current mayor Karen Bass (D), arguing that her approach relies on spending without solving the underlying issues.
Kalshi, a prediction market, currently puts Pratt at an 81 percent chance of facing Bass in the election, although Bass remains the favourite to win overall.
Bass responded to Pratt’s campaign in comments to ABC 7, saying: “I don’t think he has a clue how to run the nation’s second largest city.
“I think he’s tapping into the anger and frustration that people have. I think he’s doing that. But I think we’re also in a celebrity-driven culture.”
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.