Hollywood Celebrities Face Backlash Over Water Waste Amid California Wildfires

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — As Southern California battles devastating wildfires, Hollywood celebrities are under fire for allegedly flouting water conservation rules during a critical time. Kim Kardashian, Sylvester Stallone, Kevin Hart, and Dwyane Wade are among the stars accused of excessive water usage, sparking outrage among residents and on social media.

The wildfires, which have burned over 37,000 acres and destroyed approximately 12,000 homes, have forced more than 153,000 people to evacuate. Los Angeles County declared a public health emergency due to dangerous smoke and particulate matter. Amid the crisis, reports surfaced that Kardashian and other celebrities ignored water restrictions, using thousands of gallons for their gardens and properties.

Kardashian, who faced similar criticism in 2022 for using 232,000 gallons of water during a drought, was fined by authorities. “These celebrities feel like they deserve everything,” one neighbor told The Daily Mail. “Everyone was told to cut back on water precisely for this situation, to preserve it to fight fires. They carried on watering because they could afford the fines.”

Social media users expressed frustration, with one commenter writing, “This group thinks they can just pay their way through this issue. This is too serious an issue—give them notice, then CUT OFF their usage if they go so grossly over.” Others called for stricter enforcement, suggesting water regulators to limit daily usage for violators.

In addition to water waste, celebrities have drawn criticism for hiring private firefighters to protect their properties. Services reportedly cost $2,000 per hour, with demand skyrocketing during the crisis. Chris Dunn, head of a private firefighting company, told The Daily Mail, “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing. The demand has never been greater.”

One anonymous celebrity defended the practice, stating, “This week’s events have shown that you can’t trust the city to protect your property. I have the money, so why not?”

Despite the backlash, some celebrities have stepped up to help. Angelina Jolie and her son Knox were seen purchasing water and food for fire victims, while Jamie Lee Curtis donated $1 million to disaster relief. Jason Oppenheim, a prominent real estate agent, offered free services to those affected by the fires. Sharon Stone and Halle Berry also contributed, with Berry urging others to donate clothing and essentials.

As the wildfires continue to rage, the actions of Hollywood’s elite remain under scrutiny, highlighting the stark contrast between those who prioritize personal comfort and those who rally to support their community.