Paris Hilton is “heartbroken beyond words” after learning her Malibu home was destroyed due to the deadly wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles.
The media personality and businesswoman took to her Instagram Wednesday afternoon to share in an emotional post, “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.”
Despite the devastation, Hilton also reflected on the positive memories she’s had in the home with her husband, Carter Reum, and two young children, Phoenix and London.
“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family is safe,” she wrote. “My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires. To all the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and their beloved pets. My heartaches for those still in harm’s way or mourning greater losses. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking.”
Hilton also expressed gratitude for first responders working nonstop to control the blaze. “To the brave firefighters and first responders risking their lives to protect us—you are true heroes,” she continued. “I am so grateful for your courage, dedication, and the incredible sacrifices you’re making to save lives and fight this unimaginable battle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Her lengthy post concluded, “Please, everyone, stay safe and follow evacuation orders. Let’s protect one another and hold onto hope that these fires will soon be contained. Sending so much love and strength to all of you. We’re in this together, LA. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. You never know when everything could change.”
On Friday, Hilton also shared that she has launched an emergency fund through her nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact to support displaced families with young children.
“As a mom, I can’t imagine the pain and fear of not having a safe place for your babies,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’m starting with a personal contribution of $100,000, and will be matching additional dollars raised up to $100,000 more. I am looking for others to donate and match alongside me to do our part!”
Hilton said the donations will go to helping families via the emergency relief organization CORE, short-term housing and hotel stays for families, delivering essentials and supplies to evacuation centers and supporting local animal shelters.
Hilton was among thousands of people whose homes were destroyed in the wildfires, including numerous celebrities such as Mandy Moore, Jeff Bridges, Billy Crystal, Anna Faris, Cary Elwes, Paris Hilton, Bozoma Saint John, Milo Ventimiglia, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, James Woods, Diane Warren, Cameron Mathison and Ricki Lake, among others.
Since Tuesday, when the wildfires initially broke out in Pacific Palisades before spreading to parts of Malibu and Santa Monica overnight, first responders have been working to contain other active wildfires across the L.A. area, including the Eaton, Hurst and Kenneth fires. The death toll has also risen to 11 people, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office said Friday.
On Wednesday night, another fire, named the Sunset Fire, broke out in the Hollywood Hills, endangering iconic landmark the Hollywood Bowl, among other tourist destinations. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze by Thursday morning.
As of Friday afternoon, the Kenneth Fire was 35 percent contained; the Palisades Fire near the coastline was 8 percent contained; and the Eaton Fire was 3 percent contained. The Hurst Fire, south of Santa Clarita, was 70 percent contained.
