
Reality TV stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, once known for their lavish lifestyle on MTV's 'The Hills,' addressed backlash after a GoFundMe was set up to support them amid LA wildfires.
- Jan 18, 2025
AceShowbiz - The Los Angeles wildfire disaster, fueled by the worst windstorms in over a decade, has razed thousands of structures and claimed at least 27 lives. Reality TV couple Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt were among the victims, losing their $2.5 million home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. They evacuated with their two young sons, Gunner, six, and Ryker, two, leaving behind most of their personal belongings.
Although Heidi, 38, and Spencer, 41, did not solicit donations themselves, two of their TikTok friends created a GoFundMe for them, which has since raised over $134,000. This move, however, sparked outrage on social media, with critics pointing out that many less privileged individuals had also lost their homes.
In response to the backlash, Spencer took to social media to clarify their financial situation. "We're not rich," he told Us Weekly, arguing that donations were not mandatory and that it was similar to buying celebrity merchandise.
"If people want to send their own money to whoever they want, it's the equivalent to buying a celebrity's merch, buying their movie tickets," he said. "People can do whatever they want with their own money and, thank God, there's people who want to support and send us whatever."
Heidi echoed similar sentiments, noting that she and Spencer had no expectations of receiving any donations. "Our friends Brandon and Courtney were like, 'We don't care what you say. We know people who want to donate money to you and even if it's one donation that's going to help you,' " she explained. She emphasized that many donations were small amounts, like $5, which she compared to "buying a coffee."
The couple's financial struggles were further highlighted by Spencer, who lamented how frustrating it was to be suddenly labeled "rich celebrities." "Nobody thought we were rich celebrities until three days ago," he remarked. "If you Google 'Spencer,' it literally [says]: 'Broke, no net worth.' "
The pair claimed that their only significant asset was their home into which they had invested all their earnings. "Our house was 3,000 square feet. It is not a mansion in the Palisades," Spencer said. "We put all of our money into our house and our life to build something for our kids to put in their name and every detail we just kept on every year for the last eight years."
The couple also defended a fundraiser for Mandy Moore's family.
Despite refuting the notion that they're rich, Heidi once admitted to spending $1 million on her wardrobe while they were at the peak of their "The Hills" fame.
Besides raising fund, promoting Heidi's music, and seeking a new TV deal, the couple announced plans to file a lawsuit against the State of California, alleging negligence by the Los Angeles Fire Department for not responding to their emergency calls during the fire.
Amid the criticism, Heidi remains grateful for the support, expressing her appreciation via social media. "Thank you so much to everyone. No. 1 on iTunes chart, oh my gosh," she posted on Instagram. The couple plans to rebuild their family home and look forward to better times ahead.