Mandy Moore addressed backlash she received for supporting a GoFundMe campaign to help her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, who lost their home in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
The ‘This Is Us’ star took to Instagram on Thursday to share that her relatives, Griff and Kit, had “lost everything” in the Eaton Fire, just weeks before the birth of their first child. Moore also highlighted a fundraising campaign created by a mutual friend to assist the couple in rebuilding their lives.
She shared in her post, “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. Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living. It’s all so much. So many have asked how to help during this unimaginable and stressful time…Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild.”
While Moore’s home was also damaged in the wildfires, her post was met with criticism, with some questioning why she would seek donations for her family given her financial success.
In response to the backlash, Moore posted a follow-up message: “And 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. 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.”
The Los Angeles wildfires, which broke out on January 7, have caused significant devastation. Eleven people have lost their lives, approximately 180,000 residents have been evacuated, and over 13,400 structures have been damaged.
