YouTube Star Faces Backlash Over Tasteless Wildfire Joke
Popular YouTuber and singer Meg Deangelis is under fire for an Instagram post she made regarding the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. The city has been grappling with a series of wildfires that have caused extensive damage, destroying over 6,000 structures and displacing thousands of residents as of January 10, 2025.
The situation in Los Angeles has been described as "apocalyptic" by both residents and journalists, with entire neighborhoods being razed to the ground by the relentless blazes. Many influencers residing in the area have been forced to evacuate, with some losing their homes and possessions to the fires. However, amidst this tragedy, one influencer's response has drawn severe backlash.
Meg Deangelis, a prominent YouTuber with a subscriber base exceeding 4 million, came under scrutiny for a post she shared on her Instagram Stories. On January 8, 2025, Deangelis posted a selfie with a caption that read, "When I escaped NYC because it was too cold, but now this one is literally burning down."
Following the post, a screenshot made its way to Reddit, where users condemned her remarks as "horrible" and "disgusting." Comments flooded in, criticizing Deangelis for her insensitivity towards the severity of the situation. "Omg girl, read the room," one user remarked, highlighting the inappropriateness of her joke in light of the ongoing crisis.
Another commenter expressed their dismay, stating, "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." The public outcry intensified, with many pointing out the gravity of the wildfires and the devastating impact on lives and ecosystems.
Responding to the backlash, Deangelis posted another photo on her Instagram, showing an orange-tinted skyline of Los Angeles, accompanied by a message that conveyed a more somber tone. She wrote, "In all seriousness, this is heartbreaking. I’m thinking about all the wildlife and everyone who is affected. I’m so sorry you have to go through this. Love you, and make sure to check on your friends!"
Despite her attempt to rectify the situation, criticism continued to pour in. Deangelis shared a quote from The London Economic on her profile, reflecting on the impact of climate change and the escalating disasters witnessed globally. The quote read, "Climate change will manifest as a series of disasters viewed through phones with footage that gets closer and closer to where you live until you’re the one filming it."
Several other influencers have also been affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles, with notable figures like Faze Kaysan losing their homes in the catastrophic fires that engulfed Malibu and neighboring areas. The wildfires have not only caused physical destruction but have also sparked conversations about climate change and the urgent need for environmental awareness and action.
