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Mandy Moore Faces Criticism Over Fundraising Appeal for Wildfire Victims

Mandy Moore has drawn criticism after sharing a fundraising initiative aimed at helping her family members who recently lost their home to raging wildfires in Los Angeles. On Friday, the actress, whose own home was affected, took to Instagram to promote a GoFundMe page dedicated to her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, urging her followers to contribute financially.

In her Instagram post, Moore expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever.” She highlighted the plight of her brother-in-law, Griff, a touring musician who lost his extensive collection of drums and percussion instruments crucial for his career. “So many have asked how to help during this unimaginable and stressful time … Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild,” she urged.

However, the act of soliciting donations sparked backlash, with critics arguing that Moore, whose estimated net worth is around $14 million, should be providing financial support herself instead of asking the public for assistance.

In response to the negative comments, Moore updated her post to clarify her position. “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,” she stated. “Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe and I’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them.”

Moore further emphasized her family’s own hardships, revealing, “We just lost most of our life in a fire too. Kindly F OFF. No one is forcing you to do anything.” Since the campaign launched, it has garnered over $200,000, leading the organizer to close it to further donations as of Saturday.

This controversy comes shortly after Moore disclosed that her residence in Altadena, although significantly damaged, was “miraculously” still standing, despite the loss of her garage, music studio, and guesthouse in the fire.

“Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family,” she wrote, sharing images of the destruction around her. “My children’s school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too. Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together. Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control.”

For more information about how you can help those affected by the L.A. wildfires, click here.

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