Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag are responding to backlash after a GoFundMe was set up for them, which gained attention among viewers.
The couple’s home was destroyed in the recent Los Angeles wildfires, and they now face rebuilding from scratch.
LA wildfires devastate communities
This month, several wildfires spread rapidly across California, starting in Pacific Palisades. Strong winds and dry conditions created a “perfect storm,” allowing the fires to grow uncontrollably.
The two largest fires, in Palisades and Eaton, are still active, though progress is being made in containing them. Sadly, the fires have claimed at least 27 lives and destroyed more than 12,000 structures.
Spencer and heidi’s home destroyed
Among the victims of the fires was Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag’s home. While they managed to escape safely, they lost everything.
Spencer expressed his anger, claiming that the Los Angeles Fire Department never responded to his calls. “The gate was still locked. They never came. I watched from my security cameras until our house burned down,” he told Perez Hilton.
Spencer and heidi clarify their financial situation
In response to the GoFundMe backlash, Spencer clarified that they are not wealthy. He posted on TikTok: “I know people think we’re rich, but everything we had was earned through hard work.”
He added, “We are starting at zero now.” Despite their past reality TV fame, Spencer stressed that their financial situation had been far from luxurious.
Gofundme set up to help rebuild
Two of the couple’s friends created a GoFundMe page to help them rebuild their lives. The campaign has raised over $135,000 so far.
The GoFundMe description reads, “Spencer, Heidi, and their boys lost everything in the Pacific Palisades fire. This will help them rebuild their lives.”
Backlash over donations
The couple has faced criticism over the GoFundMe, with some questioning whether they truly need donations.
One person said: Rich enough to not be asking for money from people who are already struggling. Other people who lost everything and can’t afford to rebuild need that money, these people can rebuild just fine
A second wrote: My family also lost their home in the Lahaina wildfire and are still being bounced around from FEMA.
While a third commed: It’s crazy to see the lack of compassion people have shown this passed week, people lost everything how can anyone laugh i dont care who they are we need to show empathy. I hope karma doesn’t laugh back at some of yall
Someone else said: The hoops you have to jump through to build anything in Cali right now is wild
Another added: Not rich to other rich people but definitely rich to us poor people
Spencer addressed the skepticism, stating that they had never been considered “rich celebrities” until now.
“My net worth on Google has always been $1,000,” Spencer explained. “Now, we’re suddenly ‘rich celebrities,’ and it’s frustrating.”
Spencer and Heidi have been open about their past financial struggles. In a 2016 interview, they revealed how they spent their reality TV fortune, including lavish purchases like Heidi’s $1 million wardrobe and a crystal collection.
“I felt like I was someone I wasn’t,” Heidi said. “We had business managers telling us to stop spending, but we didn’t listen.”
While the couple faces significant challenges after the wildfires, they continue to navigate the controversy surrounding the GoFundMe. Despite their past fame, Spencer and Heidi emphasize their humble financial situation and the devastating loss they are working to overcome.