Mandy Moore has fiercely responded to criticism after sharing a GoFundMe page for her in-laws, Griff and Kit Goldsmith, who lost their home and possessions in the devastating LA wildfires.
The This Is Us star – who revealed that her own home was also severely damaged in the fires – took to Instagram to explain her family’s situation.
In her post, per News.com.au, 40-year-old Moore disclosed that her brother- and sister-in-law lost everything in the blaze and needed financial help to rebuild their lives.
“Yesterday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Griff & Kit lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire. With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever,” the actress wrote. “Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild.”
The GoFundMe page was set up by her friend, musician Matthew Koma, to provide support.
However, not all of Moore’s followers reacted with sympathy. Some criticized her for promoting the fundraiser instead of providing all the financial help herself, given her public success and wealth.
“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,” Moore wrote in a fiery edited response on the post.
“Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe, 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.”
The GoFundMe campaign quickly surpassed its goal of $175,000, with actor Zachary Levi contributing $10,000.
Moore’s Personal Losses
Just days earlier, Moore provided a somber update on her own Altadena home, which she shares with husband Taylor Goldsmith. The wildfires ravaged their property, leaving her grappling with what she called “weird survivor’s guilt.”
“Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone,” Moore wrote on Instagram, alongside heartbreaking photos of the aftermath. While the main part of their home remains standing, it is not livable, and they lost their studio, garage, and back house.
“We lost Taylor and Griffin’s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned. We lost our garage and back house,” Moore shared. “We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong.”
The harrowing situation has drawn eerie parallels to Moore’s role on This Is Us, where her character’s family loses their home in a fire. Co-star Milo Ventimiglia also lost his house in the wildfires, calling the situation “a surreal case of life imitating art.”
“Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family,” Moore wrote in another post about the tragedies. “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.”
Celebrities and Community Devastated
The wildfires have wreaked havoc across celebrity neighborhoods, with stars like Mel Gibson, Bella Hadid, and Paris Hilton among those losing their homes.
The devastating wildfires have already claimed at least 11 lives, with estimates suggesting that more than 10,000 homes and structures have been reduced to ashes, with entire neighborhoods left in ruins, per BBC News.
Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed over 1,400 firefighters to battle the flames, with reinforcements arriving from nearby states. Despite their efforts, containment remains a challenge, and damage estimates have climbed to $150 billion.
President Joe Biden has described the unfolding disaster in Los Angeles as a “war scene,” cautioning that the death toll is “likely” to rise as authorities assess the full extent of the damage.
Our thoughts go out to everybody impacted by this unfolded tragedy.
