Jimmy Kimmel Has Pointed Message for People Politicizing Los Angeles Wildfires
Jimmy Kimmel very kindly requested those unaffected by the deadly wildfires to put their money where their mouth is.
On Monday, the 57-year-old resumed his ABC late-night talk show after taking a brief hiatus amid the devastation caused by several wildfires raging across parts of Southern California, opening with a message of gratitude for first responders and volunteers on the ground before slamming those theorizing over the wildfires and the government's response.
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"It’s been a terrible. Everyone who lives in the city knows someone, most of us, multiple people, families, friends, colleagues, neighbors, whose house is burned down, and the truth is we don’t even know if it’s over," he said. "I think I speak for all of us when I say it has been sickening, shocking, awful experience but has also been in a lot of ways, a beautiful experience."
"Because once again, we see our fellow men and women coming together to support each other," Kimmel continued, "People who lost their own homes were out volunteering in parking lots, helping others who lost theirs."
His outspoken attitude didn't end there, as he segued into the more pointed part of his speech, taking aim at Donald Trump, who recently suggested California's governor Gavin Newsom was "to blame for" the destruction, as well as those who have regurgitated similar opinions as the president-elect, like Elon Musk.
"I don’t want to get into all the vile and irresponsible and stupid things our alleged future President and his gaggle of scumbags chose to say during our darkest and most terrifying hour. The fact that they chose to attack our firefighters—who apparently aren’t white enough—to be out there, risking their lives on our behalf is… it’s disgusting. But it’s not surprising."
Kimmel then personally thanked all the firefighters from Los Angeles and the surrounding areas that are putting their safety at risk to battle the blaze, in addition to those who have come forward to help victims of the fire. "Thank God for all of you," he said.
So far, Jamie Lee Curtis, Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, as well as several members of the Kardashian family have all contributed to the emergency response with generous donations. Actor Steve Guttenberg was also on the scene helping firefighters move cars and fight the flames of the ongoing Palisades Fire.
As of 5:56 a.m. local time on Tuesday, the Palisades Fire burned more than 23,000 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Firefighters nearby were also battling the Eaton Fire, which had burned more than 14,000 acres as of 5:53 a.m. local time on Tuesday. Both fires, which authorities said started on Tuesday, Jan. 7, were under 35 percent contained by late Thursday afternoon. At least 10 people have died due to the devastating conditions.
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