By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-10 17:09:21 | Updated at 2025-01-10 21:17:22
4 hours ago
Jamie Lee Curtis is facing backlash after making a controversial comparison between the devastation caused by the LA wildfires and war-torn countries in the Middle East.
The Oscar-winning actress, 66, who donated $1 million to relief efforts after the Pacific Palisades fires, was among the many celebrities forced to evacuate as the fires continue to destroy properties.
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.'
Jamie Lee Curtis is facing 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
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 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
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
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.
