Jamie Lee Curtis blasted for comparing Pacific Palisades to Gaza amid LA wildfire disaster: ‘War-torn’
Jamie Lee Curtis is facing backlash after comparing fire-ravaged Los Angeles neighborhoods to war-torn countries in the Middle East.
“The entire Pacific Palisades looks like, you know, unfortunately, Gaza or one of these war-torn countries where awful things have happened,” the actress, 66, said during a Q&A for “The Last Showgirl” posted to X.
Fans quickly flocked to the comments section to question Curtis’ comparison.
One user posted, “Comparing wildfires to war zones feels off, it minimizes the devastation unique to each.”
“It’s kind of unsettling, words matter, especially from someone with her platform,” another wrote.
“Don’t compare a natural disaster to a genocide!” a third follower clapped back, while another unhappy fan chimed in: “Two things that have nothing to do with each other… pack it up, great grandma…”
Some followers were more forgiving towards Curtis, with one explaining, “I respect Jamie Lee Curtis, but that comparison doesn’t make any sense.”
Days before, the “Freaky Friday” star fought back tears as she spoke about the “catastrophe” of the Palisades Fire, the coastal neighborhood where she has lived for decades.
“As you know, where I live is on fire right now. Literally, the entire city of the Pacific Palisades is burning. I flew here last night. I was on the plane and started getting texts. It’s f–king gnarly, you guys,” Curtis told Jimmy Fallon during an appearance on his show.
“It’s a catastrophe in Southern California. Obviously there have been horrific fires in many places. This is literally where I live. Everything.”
Curtis said she had “many, many, many” friends who have lost their homes in the devastation of the fires.
“It’s a really awful situation,” she added.
Curtis, who returned to California on Thursday to be with her family and friends, encouraged viewers to support disaster relief efforts if they are able, including the Red Cross.
“Do anything you can, anything in your community to help people,” she stated. “Whether you need it or not now, you will need it. Give blood, donate, whatever you can do. Animal shelters.”
Curtis has since said she and her family are pledging $1 million to start a “fund of support” for those affected by the blazes.
The actor made her pledge on Instagram Thursday, writing that she had been in touch with state and city leaders about how the money might be distributed “for the most impact.”
It’s believed Curtis’ home is still standing.
Firefighters have been working around the clock to put out at least six fires in Los Angeles this week — the largest being the Palisades and Eaton fires that have now collectively scorched over 35,000 acres and counting.
Earlier this week, an unidentified person was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department for “possible arson” connected with the Kenneth Fire. Officials later revealed that the individual would not be charged with arson due to lack of probable cause.
The wildfires could cause $150 billion in damages, making it the most expensive blaze in US history, according to a report.
