“Shocking Insensitivity: Influencer’s ‘Disgusting’ Comment on California Wildfires Ignites Outrage!”
In a world where wildfire season has our hearts racing (and our fire extinguishers primed), you would think that influencers would tread carefully when discussing natural disasters. Well, think again! Recently, Canadian social media sensation Meg DeAngelis found herself in hot water—pun fully intended—after she made what some deemed an “insensitive” comment amidst the chaos of wildfires wreaking havoc across Southern California. As homes were reduced to ashes and lives were tragically altered, DeAngelis’s lighthearted reflection on escaping the cold of NYC to land in a “burning” LA drew immediate and fierce backlash. Is this merely a case of foot-in-mouth syndrome, or have we been too quick to judge our influencers when they might just be trying to relate? Either way, the internet certainly didn’t hold back, and DeAngelis’s followers had a lot to say. For those curious about how social media and serious crises intertwine (often chaotically), you might want to dive into this eye-opening story. LEARN MORE.
An internet star sparked massive outrage after an “insensitive” comment about the wildfires wreaking havoc in Southern California.
Canadian influencer Meg DeAngelis faced swift backlash for a message she shared on her Instagram Stories in the midst of the devastating tragedy.
Her post came as multiple fires were ravaging through the LA area, burning down thousands of structures and homes in their way. The death toll has risen to 10 so far.
Canadian influencer Meg DeAngelis faced a wave of criticism after an “insensitive” remark about the California wildfires
Image credits: ONSCENE TV
The influencer shared a photo of herself, accompanied with a message about how she moved from New York City to escape the cold but is now in a city that is “burning down.”
The internet refused to make room for DeAngelis’ remark as firefighters continue to battle the relentless flames.
“When I escaped NYC because it was too cold, but now this one is literally burning down,” she wrote.
The remark sparked a flurry of comments, with netizens calling her “privileged” for her “tone deaf” comment.
The internet was furious about the remark she made about moving from New York City to Los Angeles
Image credits: megandeangelis
“Omg [what the h**l] … NYC was too cold and this one is too ‘hot’ because thousands of homes have BURNED DOWN, and people have DIED?” one exclaimed.
“OMG girl read the room,” read a second comment while a third wrote, “The privilege is crazy.”
“And that’s not to even mention how insensitive this is to say about the fires,” another chimed in.
“‘Escaped NYC because it was too cold …’ coming from someone who doesn’t commute to work and doesn’t ever have to leave the house if they don’t want to is crazy,’” read a fifth comment.
“When I escaped NYC because it was too cold, but now this one is literally burning down,” wrote the content creator
Image credits: megandeangelis
“Omg that’s horrible and so stupid. My friend’s house literally just burned down! People have died! Not to mention all the pets and wildlife. I wanna punch her,” one harshly said.
“Disgusting, but what else should we expect from an out-of-touch influencer. People have lost everything,” commented another.
DeAngelis’ Instagram boasts a fan-following of 1.4 million people, and her TikTok account comes with another 1.2 million followers. One netizen questioned why she couldn’t post “helpful information” when she has a big platform.
“Omg that’s horrible and so stupid. My friend’s house literally just burned down!” read a comment on DeAngelis’ remark
Image credits: megandeangelis
“If you don’t have helpful information for people in this ongoing crisis why are you posting?? People are so disgustingly narcissistic they just HAVE to post on Instagram and somehow make this catastrophic situation about themselves,” one person said.
After her backlash-sparking post, the 29-year-old influencer shared another post that included a picture of a bright, orange sky with a message of a completely different tone.
“In all seriousness, this is heartbreaking. I’m thinking about all the wildlife and everyone who is affected,” she wrote.
“I’m so sorry you have to go through this. Love you and make sure you check on your friends!”
Fires like the Palisades, Kenneth, and Eaton blazes have scorched tens of thousands of acres and destroyed thousands of structures
Image credits: ONSCENE TV
The content creator also shared a clip of herself packing for her evacuation but warned viewers that it wasn’t an “advice video.”
“Please pack more diligently if you have time, I was just panicked at the time bc I learned a new fire had started near me,” she wrote in the caption. “if you are evacuating, don’t forget a phone charger! also if possible try not to drink tap water within 2 miles of the fire as it’s contaminated. I’m thinking about all of you I love you and I’m so heartbroken for the wildlife, and my friends who have lost their homes and livelihoods.”
As the hard-to-control flames engulfed the city, reporter David Muir was also subjected to online hate after he was seen with a clip pinned to the back of his firefighter jacket.
