Mandy Moore Responded To People Online Who Said She Should Donate Her "Millions In The Bank" Instead Of Asking Her Followers To Give Money To A GoFundMe
Mandy Moore is responding to the backlash she received for sharing GoFundMe links on her Instagram after revealing she and her family were affected by the California fires.
Mandy Moore, along with many other LA residents, was forced to evacuate her home after numerous fires engulfed several parts of the area.
"I love you, Altadena," Mandy wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday with a video showing smoke-filled skies and homes on fire. "Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late (and endless gratitude to friends for taking us in and bringing us clothes and blankets)."
"Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family. My children’s school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too. Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together. Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control."
According to CBS News, the Eaton fire had burned 10,600 acres by Wednesday morning.
The This Is Us star continued to share updates with her followers, revealing that the "main part" of her family home was still standing, but ultimately it was "not livable, but mostly intact." Unfortunately, the same could not be said for her neighbors.
She recounted every house on her street was "gone." This included her brother and sister-in-law's home. Mandy admitted to feeling "survivor's remorse" because of it.
In support for those impacted by the devastating damage, Mandy posted resource links to her Instagram story for anyone in need, as well as GoFundMe accounts to donate to. One of those accounts belonged to her in-laws, who she stated were just weeks away from welcoming their first child.
Like other celebs who spoke out about the tragedy, Mandy was met with backlash from people who believed she should donate her own money instead of asking her fans "who do not have millions in the bank." Amongst the outpour of supportive comments, she received several like these:
In response, the singer-turned-actor added a message to her original caption to voice her frustration about the insensitive comments: "And people questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic. Of course we are."
"Our buddy Matt started this go fund me and i’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them. We just lost most of our life in a fire too. Kindly F OFF. no one is forcing you to do anything."
Our hearts go out to everyone impacted in any way by the fires.
Follow the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for more information on the fires.
You can find more details on shelters and resources here.
