By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-13 01:31:30 | Updated at 2025-01-13 05:43:39
4 hours ago
Jamie Lee Curtis shared about a moving encounter she had with a fellow Target shopper, amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
The actress, 66, whose Pacific Palisades home has been spared in the devastating blaze, took to Instagram over the weekend to recall a touching experience she had.
While shopping at the major American retailer, she came upon a man who had 'lost everything' in the fires, with the two sharing a hug.
Curtis, who was recently slammed for likening LA fires to 'war-torn' Gaza, was among the many celebrities forced to evacuate as the fires continue to destroy properties.
She wrote: 'Since I haven't been able to get home or get into the Palisades to see for myself the horrific destruction and try to suit up and show up for my friends and lend a hand and hug, all of it became very real when I was in a @target picking up some essentials for myself.'
'There was a man, by himself, with a cart and it was clear that he had lost everything and was buying underwear and socks and a pair of sweatpants and shoes and water and some food and we looked at each other.'
Jamie Lee Curtis, 66, shared about a moving encounter she had with a fellow Target shopper, amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles; seen January 3 in Palm Springs
The Oscar-winning star, who donated $1 million to relief efforts amid the Pacific Palisades fires, went on: 'I embraced him and we both wept and then it happened again with a woman and her cart of clothes and food doing the same thing and it brought into sharp relief the human toll and the shock and profound sadness that these people feel.'
Curtis wrapped up her post writing, 'I feel very lucky that I have a home to go back to at some point and I will do everything I can to help those who don't.'
Along with the post she shared a photo of residents watching the terrifying blaze.
It comes after Curtis faced backlash after making a controversial comparison between the devastation caused by the LA wildfires and war-torn countries in the Middle East.
On Thursday, Curtis made the statement during a Q&A for The Last Showgirl, where she appeared alongside her co-star Pamela Anderson.
'The entire Pacific Palisades looks like, you know, unfortunately Gaza or one of these war-torn countries where awful things have happened,' she said.
Social media quickly lit up with people questioning the star's comparison.
One critic posted, 'Comparing wildfires to war zones feels off, it minimizes the devastation unique to each,' as another added, 'It’s kind of unsettling, words matter, especially from someone with her platform.'
The actress, whose Pacific Palisades home has been spared in the devastating blaze, took to Instagram over the weekend to recall a touching experience she had
While shopping at the major American retailer, she came upon a man who had 'lost everything' in the fires, with the two sharing a hug
Curtis recently faced backlash after making a controversial comparison between the devastation caused by the LA wildfires and war-torn countries in the Middle East
'The entire Pacific Palisades looks like, you know, unfortunately Gaza or one of these war-torn countries where awful things have happened,' Curtis said; (Gaza in January 2025)
Social media quickly lit up with people questioning the star's comparison
A third wrote, 'Don’t compare a natural disaster to a Genocide!'
Others weren’t as kind, with one commenter saying, 'Two things that have nothing to do with each other... pack it up, great grandma...”
However, some fans were more forgiving, with one saying, 'I respect Jamie Lee Curtis, but that comparison doesn't make any sense.'
It seems like her attempt to draw attention to the devastation may have missed the mark.
The backlash comes after The Halloween star revealed she is donating $1million toward LA fire relief efforts after fighting back tears over the destruction of Pacific Palisades.
The actress took to Instagram Thursday to announce her donation and reveal she had been in contact with LA governor Gavin Newson to discuss where the funds would be best used.
She wrote: 'As the fire still rages on and @calfire @losangelesfiredepartment and all the available first responders and agencies involved in fighting fire and saving lives are still hard at work and neighbors and friends are banding together to save each other, my husband and I and our children have pledged $1 million from our Family Foundation to start a fund of support for our great city and state and the great people who live and love there.
'I'm in communication with Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass and Senator Schiff as to where those funds need to be directed for the most impact.'
The backlash comes after The Halloween star revealed she is donating $1million toward LA fire relief efforts after fighting back tears over the destruction of Pacific Palisades
The actress took to Instagram to announce her donation and reveal she had been in contact with LA governor Gavin Newson to discuss where the funds would be best used
Curtis is pictured with husband Christopher Guest and children Ruby and Annie in 2022
This comes after Curtis fought back tears as she admitted the Pacific Palisades fires have been 'catastrophic,' during an appearance on The Tonight Show on Wednesday.
The star flew out to New York City to appear on the Jimmy Fallon-hosted show, when the fires started spreading through the city she calls home.
She revealed on Instagram earlier on Wednesday that her home is safe but many of her neighbors homes have been destroyed.
The actress appeared on the show to promote her new film The Last Showgirl, in theaters January 10, but before she discussed the film, she became visibly emotional while addressing the fires.
'I'm literally just about to cry. Mostly because of that beautiful welcome,' Curtis began, as the audience started to applaud, with one screaming, 'You're beautiful!'
She tearfully continued, 'As you know, where I live is on fire right now. Literally, the entire city of the Pacific Palisades is burning.'
'I flew here last night. I was on the plane, started getting texts. And it's f***ing gnarly, you guys. It's just a catastrophe in southern California,' she said.
'Obviously, there have been horrific fires in many places. This is literally where I live. Everything. The market I shop in. The schools my kids go to. Friends, many, many, many, many, many friends now have lost their homes,' she said.
'So it is - it's a really awful situation. I am, you know, obviously going to go home first thing tomorrow and be with my family and try to help my friends,' she continued.
Jamie had previously shared that her home was at risk of being destroyed by the wildfires, but later confirmed that it was safe from the flames
'But it is - just so I can tell you, if you know anybody on the west coast or not, the American red cross, support them,' she said.
'They will come in and help people. Do anything you can. Anything in your community to help people, whether you need it or not now, you will need it. Give blood, donate, whatever,' she said to applause.
'And remember, since I'm on the middle of a very big television show, for anybody living anywhere, have an emergency kit in your house,' she added.
'I'm an American red cross ambassador. Have an emergency kit with prescription glasses, medicines, dog food, baby formula, all the things you need if you have to flee,' she added.
