Borderlands star Jamie Lee Curtis has faced online backlash after comparing the Los Angeles fires to Gaza at a recent cinema Q&A.
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The Oscar winner was promoting The Last Showgirl, the film in which she stars with Pamela Anderson. In a clip shared online, Curtis talked about the situation in Los Angeles and how it has affected her.
Five fires are currently being battled across the city, starting in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood on January 7. Over 150,000 residents have been evacuated, with 10 deaths so far. It is considered the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
Jamie Lee Curtis comments on the Los Angeles fires during a Q&A:
“The entire Pacific Palisades looks like, you know, unfortunately Gaza or one of these war-torn countries where awful things have happened”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 10, 2025
“The entire City Of Angels is on fire everywhere. Everywhere” she said. “The entire city of Pacific Palisades is gone, I mean literally my neighbourhood gone. My house tonight is still there, but I live in a different canyon. But the entire Pacific Palisades looks like, you know, unfortunately Gaza or one of these war-torn countries where awful things have happened”
Her words drew numerous comments on social media, with many saying that comparing the two places was in poor taste.
“It’s a terrible thing happening in California” said one user on X (formerly Twitter), “but these comparisons are so careless and unnecessary”. Another added: “I don’t think it’s possible to be more tone deaf”, while others expressed sympathy for co-star Anderson. “I feel so bad for Pamela” one said. “This is a big moment for her and ofc (of course) Jamie ruins it”.
it’s a terrible thing happening in california rn, but these comparisons are so careless and unnecessary. https://t.co/bbYH0PUn3n
— señor senior dreamboy jr. (@iconicDemoe) January 10, 2025
I don’t think it’s possible to be more tone deaf https://t.co/V1ef4sK3fR
— New Ho King (@Tone_Nwankwo05) January 10, 2025
I feel so bad for Pamela. This is a big moment for her and ofc Jamie ruins it https://t.co/HCIecqWqY0
— christian bales maid (@balescherry) January 10, 2025
This is not the first time Curtis has drawn criticism for posts about Gaza. In 2023, she posted a now-deleted image on Instagram in support of Israel following Hamas’ October 7 attacks. It was quickly pointed out that the image she chose, of children looking to the sky alongside with the caption “terror from the skies” and an Israeli flag, was in fact a picture of children in Gaza following an Israeli attack.
The LA fires have affected a number of Hollywood names over the last few days. Comedian Billy Crystal and TV personality Paris Hilton have shared statements about losing their homes, while Sir Anthony Hopkins’ house was found to have burned down. Actor James Woods also became emotional during a TV interview discussing his home being destroyed.
The Last Showgirl sees Pamela Anderson play a Las Vegas performer looking to the future after her long-running show ends. Critics have hailed what is being called a comeback film for the star.
The post Jamie Lee Curtis criticised for comparing Pacific Palisades to Gaza during interview appeared first on NME.
