They're setting LA ablaze.
Tone-deaf influencers are chasing clout, clicks, and cash by photographing themselves among the charred remains of California's wildfires.
Thomas Wu and veronica costi On January 7, she was pictured posing for selfies and videos with a group of other influencers against the terrifying backdrop of the Eaton Fire, the second most destructive wildfire in the state's 173-year history. It was taken in
Kostei later posted a video of herself happily dancing on the street amidst ashes and embers. Kosti declined to be interviewed by the paper, and Wu did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
“Creators' insatiable desire to go viral with 'funny'/ironic content always overrides their empathy,” a Reddit user commented on their insensitive behavior.
Critics claimed that some apparently took cruel pleasure in the destruction, all thanks to their own petty grievances. influencer alexandria perth posted an Instagram clip called “Karma” celebrating the. Mr. Gerson's A Pacific Palisades grocery store burns down.
why? She was barred from returning after filming a video with her dog there 10 years ago.
“The actual store burned down,” she said, before bursting into laughter. “No one died, Understood. That’s weird to me because…it’s their actual store, bitch. ”
Critics accused some people of exploiting the fire for their own mundane content.
Elias Vehbe Last week, I posted a photo on Instagram. The photo showed him hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, within a few miles of one of the raging wildfires. “Nothing can stop my suffering,” the caption read. “I ran as far as I could until I had to turn back.”
When critics accused him of putting not only his own life at risk, but also the lives of first responders in case rescue was needed, he issued a statement addressed to “Dear Mr. Cullens.”
“I'm not hurting anyone,” he wrote, adding that he was familiar with the terrain of the area. “Now, find something else to complain and complain about.”
The Post received a copy of a message Wehbe received from a first responder saying there was nothing wrong with his actions.
“The Internet is always trying to twist things,” Wehbe told the Post, denouncing claims that it was attention-seeking. “I just went on my daily run to check out the backyard.”
Bianca Mathis She complained on Instagram that her latest boyfriend didn't check on her during the fire, and was accused of exploiting the situation to create content.
Some were accused of exploiting the tragedy to sell goods.
sophia rose kelly Shared on Instagram last week promoting something expensive Erewhon market B-12 “Supplements for Los Angeles Families.”
Regarding the backlash, she posted: “All I do is share supplements that help people. [the f–k] Do you see this in anything other than a positive way? ”
“People are burning, but please let us get this check real quick,” one of her critics commented.
alexis oakleyHe, who does not live in the evacuation zone, posted an Instagram video of people appearing red. “One of the things I keep in my 'just in case' bag is actually this makeup brush,” she said.
One critic fumed: “It sounds like satire, but we know it's not.”
Sahara Ray She seems to have come under fire for a post that got her criticized by critics.
youtuber Marcus Olin They moved into the evacuation zone last week and helped slow traffic as people fled the danger. He said he was going to “document” the devastation on Snapchat and shared several posts documenting his trip. He claimed authorities detained him for “helping start a fire.”
All posts except Wehbe's Instagram photo have been deleted.
The Post managed to speak to one of the criticized influencers, who asked that her name not be used.
She claimed it was “impossible to explain” the pressure influencers have to “balance work and overcome challenges.” and Experiencing a traumatic life event, such as a fire.
“Even if influencers explain how they choose their posting dates to suit the brand, people will still be unhappy.”
Influencer and media entrepreneur Lynn Rose It is said that in times of tragedy, people without emotional intelligence become more self-absorbed than those who do. “We're losing respect,” Rose explained. “Compassion is rapidly disappearing as we are forced into a culture of 'shame or blame.'
None of the influencers listed above responded to requests for recorded interviews sent directly or through their agents or managers.
