Spencer Pratt Responds to LA Times Criticism Over Residency Questions
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt has pushed back against the Los Angeles Times after the publication raised concerns regarding his eligibility to run for mayor following the destruction of his home in a recent fire.
A report in the Times drew attention on social media, with critics questioning whether Pratt could meet the residency requirement. Some even suggested that the current Mayor, Karen Bass, was to blame for the circumstances that led to Pratt’s housing difficulties.
In a passionate response, Pratt, who gained fame as a reality TV star, stated, “You want to attack me for not living in the Palisades while running for mayor? Hey, brain surgeon, my house burned down!” He expressed his discontent in a video shared online.
Pratt claimed he used an SBA disaster loan to finance living arrangements in an Airstream travel trailer on what was left of his property. Following a poll indicating he was in second place behind Bass, he accused the Times of crafting a biased piece against him.
The Times defended its coverage, stating they reached out to Pratt for comment after discovering he was residing in Carpinteria. A spokesperson affirmed their confidence in their coverage and journalists.
Community notes circulating on social media highlighted that guidance from city officials for residents displaced by wildfires suggests keeping one’s original residential address for voter registration if their relocation is temporary. They recommend only updating mailing addresses to maintain city residency.
Former county Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky commented that he doesn’t think residency will be a significant issue for Pratt, noting, “Common sense would suggest he lost his home in the Palisades. He has to find a place to live. I don’t know if this issue will get any traction.”
A poll from UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs noted that Pratt’s approval rating was at 11%, while Bass’s stood at 25%. Interestingly, 40% of those surveyed were undecided, indicating potential shifts as the election approaches.
Pratt has started to take jabs at Bass, even playfully referring to her as “Karen Basula,” which he claims means “garbage” in Spanish. “I was born here and went to school here at USC,” Pratt added in his video, passionately stating, “This is my city and I’m taking it back.”
