Julia Roberts has issued a scathing rebuke to criminals targeting evacuated homes during the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
The Oscar-winning actress took to Instagram on Monday with a rare public statement, writing "F U looters" alongside a message about the ongoing crisis.
The Pretty Woman star, who is married to cinematographer Danny Moder, broke her typically private nature to address criminals who are preying on vulnerable evacuated properties in the fire-stricken areas.
Looters are actively targeting unoccupied mansions valued at £10million that have been left empty due to mandatory evacuations.
The situation has been exacerbated by widespread power outages, which have disabled fire alarm systems throughout affected areas.
Police are struggling to maintain security in these neighbourhoods due to ongoing fire hazards limiting their access. Approximately 30 people have been arrested for suspected looting since the fires began on January 7.
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman also issued a stern warning, saying: "If you exploit this tragedy to prey on victims of these deadly fires, we will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."
The controversy has extended to social media, with California Governor Gavin Newsom accusing tech billionaire Elon Musk of "encouraging looting" through misinformation.
Musk, a supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, had claimed Newsom was decriminalising looting in the state.
The Governor swiftly responded: "Stop encouraging looting by lying and telling people it's decriminalised. It's not. It's illegal - as it always has been."
Roberts' Instagram post also highlighted efforts to support those affected by the fires.
"There is so much healing and help needed. We will get through this," the actress wrote.
She promoted the newly launched SoCal Fire Fund, a joint initiative by several organisations including the CAA Foundation, CORE Response, Entertainment Industry Foundation and LAUSD.
The fund aims to provide both immediate and long-term support for communities impacted by the current fires.
The blazes have claimed at least 24 lives, with dozens still missing in the Los Angeles area.
The fires have devastated swathes of the city including reducing several celebrity properties to cinders, with veteran 87-year-old Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins losing his home.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Three major fires continue to ravage the region, with the Palisades fire becoming the most destructive in modern Los Angeles history.
The fire has scorched more than 20,000 acres and is only 11 per cent contained, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes, including several high-profile residents.
Amidst reaction to the ongoing disaster, actor Mel Gibson, 69, sparked controversy after suggesting the blazes may been started deliberately while appearing on Fox News.
"It's an insane thing to think," Gibson told host Laura Ingraham. "But one begins to ponder whether or not there is a purpose in mind. What could it be? Do they want the state empty? I dunno."
Find Out More...
The Oscar-winning actress took to Instagram on Monday with a rare public statement, writing "F U looters" alongside a message about the ongoing crisis.
The Pretty Woman star, who is married to cinematographer Danny Moder, broke her typically private nature to address criminals who are preying on vulnerable evacuated properties in the fire-stricken areas.
Looters are actively targeting unoccupied mansions valued at £10million that have been left empty due to mandatory evacuations.
The situation has been exacerbated by widespread power outages, which have disabled fire alarm systems throughout affected areas.
Police are struggling to maintain security in these neighbourhoods due to ongoing fire hazards limiting their access. Approximately 30 people have been arrested for suspected looting since the fires began on January 7.
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman also issued a stern warning, saying: "If you exploit this tragedy to prey on victims of these deadly fires, we will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."
The controversy has extended to social media, with California Governor Gavin Newsom accusing tech billionaire Elon Musk of "encouraging looting" through misinformation.
Musk, a supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, had claimed Newsom was decriminalising looting in the state.
The Governor swiftly responded: "Stop encouraging looting by lying and telling people it's decriminalised. It's not. It's illegal - as it always has been."
Roberts' Instagram post also highlighted efforts to support those affected by the fires.
"There is so much healing and help needed. We will get through this," the actress wrote.
She promoted the newly launched SoCal Fire Fund, a joint initiative by several organisations including the CAA Foundation, CORE Response, Entertainment Industry Foundation and LAUSD.
The fund aims to provide both immediate and long-term support for communities impacted by the current fires.
The blazes have claimed at least 24 lives, with dozens still missing in the Los Angeles area.
The fires have devastated swathes of the city including reducing several celebrity properties to cinders, with veteran 87-year-old Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins losing his home.
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Three major fires continue to ravage the region, with the Palisades fire becoming the most destructive in modern Los Angeles history.
The fire has scorched more than 20,000 acres and is only 11 per cent contained, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes, including several high-profile residents.
Amidst reaction to the ongoing disaster, actor Mel Gibson, 69, sparked controversy after suggesting the blazes may been started deliberately while appearing on Fox News.
"It's an insane thing to think," Gibson told host Laura Ingraham. "But one begins to ponder whether or not there is a purpose in mind. What could it be? Do they want the state empty? I dunno."
Find Out More...