Jamie Lee Curtis has become embroiled in a very public spat since she aired her views on the tragic Los Angeles wildfires during a Q&A for her new film The Last Showgirl. The actress compared the destruction in Pacific Palisades to war-torn regions like Gaza, saying, “The whole of Pacific Palisades looks like, you know, unfortunately Gaza or one of these war-torn countries where awful things have happened.” While her comments were meant to describe the extent of the disaster, they have certainly sparked a firestorm of mixed reactions.
This wildfire, which started in Los Angeles, has destroyed the entire area of Pacific Palisades and Malibu, leaving hundreds of families homeless and lots of homes reduced to ashes, with large swaths of land blackened. Wildfires have constantly threatened California, leaving communities to cope with how to deal with displacements and rebuild after them. Curtis, who lives in this region for a long time, is much concerned about her community and shared personally with her experiences of the effects this disaster has brought.
The analogy Curtis drew has received equal accolades and criticism from netizens. The critics felt the comparison of the aftermath of a natural calamity with Gaza and such war zones was inappropriate and insensitive to the historical and emotional burden of such comparisons. They felt she belittled the experiences of those living in war-torn parts of the world.
But fans defend Curtis as merely trying to give an idea of the extent of devastation: “She just wanted to give an idea of the scale of the destruction,” says one fan on the Internet. “It’s a metaphor, not a political statement.
Since the backlash, Curtis hasn’t been afraid to take real action. Her family foundation pledged $1 million to wildfire relief, citing that the money will go to the direct care and rebuilding of areas of damage for displaced families. She has used her social media platforms to bring awareness to the ongoing crisis, asking her followers to donate to relief efforts.
“These fires are a tragedy for our community,” Curtis said in a statement. “I am committed to doing everything I can to support those affected and help rebuild.”
The uproar surrounding the comments by Curtis brings into focus the very tightrope public figures have to walk anytime sensitive issues are discussed. Very often, celebrities find themselves in the line of fire with each word spoken and every action they engage in, especially if these actions or words have to do with areas of crisis or contentious situations. As their platforms amplify key messages, so too do the risks of being misunderstood or offending someone.
Curtis’ case also outlines the changing face of celebrity involvement in advocacy and crisis response. A large donation and continuing awareness-raising have shown great dedication to standing with her community, even as her words spark debate.
