Mandy Moore reacts firmly to criticism over her LA fires GoFundMe, urging critics to reconsider their stance and support victims.
Mandy Moore, the popular actress and singer, recently found herself in hot water after asking her fans for help.
She created a GoFundMe page to raise money for her family members who lost their homes in the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
However, her request sparked a wave of criticism from some followers on social media.
The impact of wildfires
The wildfires in Los Angeles have caused severe damage, destroying many homes and displacing families.
Moore’s relatives were among those affected.
Her brother-in-law and sister-in-law lost everything just weeks before they were expecting their first child.
This tragedy prompted Mandy to share the GoFundMe page on her Instagram account, hoping that her followers would contribute to help her family rebuild.
Mandy Moore firmly reacts to criticism
In her post, Mandy expressed the emotional toll this disaster had taken on her family.
She mentioned that her brother-in-law, a musician, lost his instruments and equipment, which are vital for his livelihood.
Mandy wanted to share how her family was struggling and how others could help.
‘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 snapped.
‘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.’
Social media reactions
Some followers questioned why a celebrity like Mandy couldn’t just use her own money to help her family instead of asking for donations.
These comments upset Mandy, and she responded firmly.
I think the point is that her wealthy-enough family have now raised $150k from mostly average people with not much money, which could have gone to families a bit more in need..., one user said.
The issue is that her affluent family has solicited $150,000 in donations, primarily from individuals of modest means, funds which could have been allocated to families with greater financial need, the second user wrote.
I think it’s in incredibly poor taste for anyone who is well connected to do GFM’s.
Especially because their privilege and reach is beyond what any of us “normal” people can muster, the third user wrote.
Asking the middle class or less fortunate for money is not right. Celebrities are wealthy and can rebuild or buy another mansion….that is if they do not have multiple homes to begin with.
The middle class and poor are the ones who will suffer the most….many do not have insurance and have lost everything, another user commented.
‘You can’t help them? You’re millionaires???? Someone said.
Despite the backlash, many of Mandy’s fans stood by her side.
‘I find it incredibly cruel that in the wake of extreme tragedy & loss that there are so many hateful & hurtful comments here.
‘If you don’t want to donate to this family then don’t but I hope you donate to other organizations in need because there are so many.
Please try to lead with empathy, one user said.
The GoFundMe raised significant funds quickly.
The GoFundMe page quickly gained traction, raising significant funds to help Mandy’s family.
As of the latest updates, it had raised around $142,000, nearing its goal of $145,000.
Notable figures, including actor Zachary Levi, contributed to the cause, showing solidarity with Mandy and her family.
Mandy’s personal loss
In her posts, Mandy also shared updates about her own home.
While her house was mostly intact, it was deemed unlivable due to smoke and fire damage.
She described feeling “survivor’s guilt,” knowing that many people in her neighborhood lost their homes entirely.
Every house on her street was gone, including those belonging to close friends and family.
She wrote: ‘We were able to park and walk up our street to bear witness to all the loss.
Miraculously, the main part of our house is still standing. For now. It’s not livable but mostly intact.
‘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.’
Community support in crisis
The wildfires have been raging across Los Angeles, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions.
Firefighters have struggled to contain the flames, leading to widespread destruction.
Many celebrities, like Mandy, have been directly affected, losing their homes or facing evacuation orders.
In these challenging times, Mandy’s situation serves as a reminder of the importance of community support.
While some may criticize those asking for help, it is crucial to remember that everyone copes with disasters differently.
For Mandy and her family, reaching out for assistance through a GoFundMe was a way to find relief during a painful time.