Takeaways:
- Whoopi Goldberg urges empathy for celebrities and others who lost their homes in the Los Angeles wildfires.
- Highlights the emotional impact of losing cherished possessions and memories.
- Stresses the importance of collective support and avoiding blame during natural disasters.
Whoopi Goldberg Calls for Compassion Amid Los Angeles Wildfires
During a heartfelt episode of her ABC podcast, “The View: Behind the Table,” Whoopi Goldberg spoke out about the devastating impact of the Los Angeles wildfires on celebrities and everyday residents alike. She emphasized the universal grief of losing cherished possessions and called for empathy during this challenging time.
“Yeah, they might be famous—it doesn’t change the fact that somebody has lost their grandparents’ wedding book,” Goldberg shared with co-host Brian Teta, executive producer of “The View.” She also mentioned other irreplaceable keepsakes, like “the cauldron that held somebody’s ashes.”
Highlighting the Emotional Toll
Goldberg stressed that no one, regardless of status, is immune to the pain of losing a home filled with memories. “You think, ‘Oh, that famous person, they lost a house.’ Yeah, but they also lost a house they worked their tail off to buy and fill with memories, just like everybody,” she said. “We all fill our places with memories.”
Addressing Misinformation and Blame
In her remarks, Goldberg pushed back against rhetoric that blames specific groups for the wildfire’s devastation. “This is mother nature,” she said. “Nobody was prepared for this. What mind could ever think that 7,500 buildings were going to burn at the same time?”
She called on listeners to focus on helping rather than assigning blame. “Stop listening to people who are blaming others and just try to figure out ways to help,” Goldberg urged.
Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience
Goldberg also shared how the fires have personally impacted her neighborhood. “My whole neighborhood is gone. The Palisades is gone,” she revealed, describing the devastation as “insane.”
Among the many affected was Goldberg’s longtime friend and collaborator, Billy Crystal. Crystal and his wife, Janice, lost their Pacific Palisades home, where they had lived since 1979. In a statement to CNN, Crystal said, “Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away.”
Despite the heartbreak, Crystal remained optimistic, praising the resilience of the Pacific Palisades community. “With the love of our children and friends, we will get through this. We pray for the safety of the firefighters and first responders. In time, our community will rise again. It is our home.”
A Call to Action
Goldberg’s message is clear: empathy and action are vital during natural disasters. Her podcast episode serves as a reminder to support those affected, regardless of their social or economic status, and to focus on rebuilding together.
