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Simon Cowell ‘devastated’ as he breaks silence on LA wildfires with urgent plea
X Factor judge Simon Cowell has issued a heartfelt plea over the wildfires in Los Angeles describing the situation as “horrific”.
In a video on social media, Simon gave an emotional statement over the devastating fires, which have killed 16 people and destroyed hundreds of homes. Emergency crews are still battling to put out the blazes before potentially strong winds spread the fires further towards some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
In his video message, posted on Instagram, Simon said: “Los Angeles has been my second home for nearly 25 years and I am devastated by what I’ve seen and read. It’s horrific.”
The TV star said he would be making a charity donation to help people affected and asked his followers to do the same. “Along with a lot of other people I want to do something to help,” he said in the video. “I’ve done some research and it looks like the Red Cross organisation is doing an awful lot.
“I’m going to make a donation and I strongly ask other people, like myself, who can help to to help. Because there’s an awful lot of people right now who are going to need help now and in the future. And I’m sending you my love, my prayers, my support.” He signed off his message, by saying: “Lots of love.”
Dozens of celebrities have shared stories of losing their homes in the neighbourhood. Reality star Paris Hilton launched an emergency fund to support families who have been displaced, starting it with a personal donation of 100,000 dollars (£82,000) after she watched her Malibu home “burn to the ground on live TV”.
Actors Mel Gibson, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Billy Crystal, Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg are among the other stars who have lost their homes. The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, talk show host Ricki Lake, and songwriter Diane Warren have also lost properties, with reports that Sir Anthony Hopkins’ home burned to the ground in the Pacific Palisades fire.
Meanwhile, EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer and Star Wars actor Mark Hamill were among the celebs who confirmed that their homes had miraculously survived the wind-driven fires.
Actress Jennifer Garner was among the stars volunteering, providing food relief for evacuees and the emergency services, working alongside World Central Kitchen founder chef Jose Andres at one of the charity’s pop-up locations around California. Standing amid the rubble of her home town of 25 years, an emotional Garner told US outlet MSNBC: “I did lose a friend, and for our church it’s really tender, so I don’t feel like I should talk about her yet. I did lose a friend who did not get out in time.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited a meal distribution site, hugging people and speaking to emergency crews on Friday, while Oscar-nominated actress Sharon Stone encouraged stars to make donations to a distribution centre, which prompted Academy Award winner Halle Berry to pack up “my entire closet” to “help all of the displaced families that are in need of the basics”.
