Jamie Lee Curtis’ ‘Incredible’ Donation to LA Wildfire Relief Stirs Up Debate
Jamie Lee Curtis’ decision to donate to wildfire relief efforts amid the ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires in Southern California has led many fans to wonder why the gesture hasn’t reverberated on a wider scale within the Hollywood community.
The Academy Award winner announced on Instagram on Thursday, Jan. 9, that she and her family will be donating $1 million from their Family Foundation “to start a fund of support for our great city and state and the great people who live and love there.”
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Curtis added that she has already connected with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to begin figuring out “where those funds need to be directed for the most impact.”
Many fans applauded the Freaky Friday actress’ efforts on Instagram, with one calling her “a bright light” as others dubbed her "a beautiful human being” and “a leader for good.” Some celebrities also praised Curtis’ gesture, with Rufus Wainwright writing, “That is incredible Jamie!!!” while supermodel Paulina Porizkova used emojis in her comment: “🙌🙌🙌🙌.”
“Thank you not only for the $ but even more for your example 🙏🏼,” one Instagram user commented.
“Jamie is one of the most decent people in Hollywood, in so many ways,” another Instagram user wrote.
“You are truly walking the walk,” one fan told the Halloween actress before adding, “I’m inspired by your grace and service. Thank you.”
Others began wondering why “every” other celebrity had not announced donations of their own to wildfire relief efforts.
“Now imagine if every wealthy celeb in LA did this .. 🙏🏼,” one person wrote as another echoed, “Imagine if every millionaire matched that - the place would be rebuilt in no time.”
One Instagram user called out a few tech giants by name as they suggested donating "some of their financial hoard." Another fan praised Curtis for “being a rockstar” before urging, “Now to start a tag you’re it campaign with your celebrity friends!”
After initially worrying that her own home might burn in the Palisades Fire, which ignited on Tuesday, Jan. 7, in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood, Curtis said her home had survived. But several of her friends’ homes didn’t make it, as she explained during a scheduled appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
“This is literally where I live—everything,” Curtis said of the “really awful situation” while speaking with host Jimmy Fallon. "The market I shop in, the schools my kids go to, friends—many, many, many, many, many friends, now, have lost their homes.”
Thousands of people were forced to evacuate this week as the wildfires tore through parts of Los Angeles. Several actors and musicians, including Mandy Moore, Billy Crystal and Brad Paisley, have revealed that the fires damaged or destroyed their homes.
As of 1:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, the Palisades Fire had burned more than 17,200 acres and was 0 percent contained, while the Eaton Fire had burned 10,600 acres and was also 0 percent contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
