Jamie Lee Curtis Compares LA Wildfires to Gaza Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Curtis has pledged $1 million for wildfire relief efforts
American actor Jamie Lee Curtis has compared the devastation in Los Angeles caused by recent wildfires to that of Gaza and other war-torn regions.
Jamie Lee Curtis’ remarks comparing Pacific Palisades to Gaza during a Q&A session for The Last Showgirl, sparked debate and drew criticism for the comparison’s perceived insensitivity.
In a widely shared video, Curtis is seen sitting beside Pamela Anderson as she discusses the extensive destruction caused by the L.A. fires that erupted earlier this week.
“The entire Pacific Palisades looks like, you know, unfortunately, Gaza or one of these war-torn countries where awful things have happened,” the actress said, describing the devastation in her neighbourhood and across the city.
This comment quickly went viral on social media, attracting both criticism and support from netizens.
Jamie Lee Curtis compares the wildfires in LA to Gaza crisis.
— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) January 10, 2025
In light of the wildfires, which have severely impacted her neighbourhood and many others in Los Angeles, Curtis has pledged $1 million for wildfire relief efforts. She announced this donation through social media, stating it would support “the great people who live and love” in the affected areas.
In her emotional appeals on talk shows, she described the catastrophic effects of the fires on her community, noting that many friends had lost their homes.
However, her comments sparked a wave of criticism, and the critics have described Curtis’s comparison as tone-deaf, arguing that equating a natural disaster with the ongoing violence in Gaza undermines the severity of the humanitarian crisis there.
One social media user highlighted her privileged position, stating, “This fire is horrific. However, coming from a place of extreme wealth and privilege and then compared to Gaza? Yikes”.
Others expressed more understanding, suggesting that Curtis’s intention was to emphasize the devastation caused by the fires.
This incident follows a previous misstep by Curtis in October 2023 when she posted an image of Gazan children with a pro-Israel caption. After receiving backlash for this post, she deleted it and later shared a more neutral image of children holding hands.
The recent comments about the wildfires have reignited discussions regarding her stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and her previous statements regarding Gaza.
The ongoing wildfires have led to widespread destruction across Los Angeles, with over 1,900 buildings lost and thousands of residents displaced.
