Mandy Moore Defends Sharing Fundraiser After Wildfire Devastates Family Homes

ALTADENA, Calif. — Actress Mandy Moore is addressing criticism after sharing a GoFundMe fundraiser for her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, who lost their home in the devastating California wildfires. The “This Is Us” star, 40, revealed that her family, including her husband Taylor Goldsmith and their three children, are staying with friends Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma after their own home was severely damaged.

Moore’s brother-in-law, Griffin Goldsmith, shared on Instagram that Duff and Koma have been housing his family since the fire destroyed their Altadena home. “They’ve taken care of my entire family from the moment this began. I will never be able to thank them adequately,” he wrote. Griffin, a musician, also lost his home and studio, including all his instruments and equipment.

The GoFundMe campaign, started by Koma, has raised over $200,000 to help the Goldsmiths rebuild. Griffin expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying, “I’ve never been so moved in my life. We are completely blown away.”

Moore faced backlash from some social media users who questioned why she didn’t cover the entire fundraising goal herself. In a candid Instagram post, she responded, “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.” She added, “We just lost most of our life in a fire too. Kindly F OFF. No one is forcing you to do anything.”

Moore later shared an update on her own home, revealing that while the main structure survived, it is uninhabitable. The family lost their garage, back house, and her husband’s music studio. “Everyone we know lost everything,” she wrote. “Every house on our street is gone. My in-laws. My brother and sister-in-law — six weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends.”

The wildfires have left a trail of destruction across the Los Angeles area, displacing countless families and destroying homes, businesses, and community landmarks. Moore’s family is among many grappling with the emotional and financial toll of the disaster.

Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma have not publicly commented on their role in housing Moore’s family, but Griffin praised their generosity, calling them “the most beautiful, selfless people we’ve ever known.”

As recovery efforts continue, Moore and her family are focused on supporting their community and rebuilding their lives. “We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support,” she wrote.