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R&B singer Chris Brown shares his conspiracy theories regarding the Los Angeles fires while also praising firefighters and first responders. The musician took to his Instagram stories on Thursday, January 9, 2024, to allege:
"Someone starting these fires. Sh*t dont add up."
Los Angeles and its surrounding cities have been battling raging wildfires since Tuesday. What started as a bushfire in the Pacific Palisades spiraled out of control, spreading to the Eaton, Sunset, Hurst, and Woodley areas. The disaster was fueled by high wind (100 mph). On Thursday, fires were reported in San Fernando Valley and Ventura County.
As Chris Bown's stories went viral, internet users were quick to react.
"He said what he said," one user commented.
Many quickly shared their theories about the Los Angeles fires and praised Chris Brown. One even connected the disaster to Diddy, who is currently awaiting a trial. Here are some comments seen under @theshaderoom's post:
Others agreed with Chris Brown and praised the prisoners who are helping combat the wildfires, asking for reduced sentences.
Chris Brown brings attention to prisoners who have been helping combat L.A. wildfires
Just hours after his original story on Instagram, Chris Brown added a follow-up, noting efforts by firefighters and first responders during the disaster.
"LA... make sure y'all throw a ceremony or parade for these firefighters and first responders after this," he wrote.
"Also the prisoners who were out there risking they lives need time knocked off their sentences.. just saying," he added.
Citing a statement by California's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, NPR reported that around 783 prisoners (including 88 support staff) are part of the 7,500 emergency responders helping curb the raging wildfires. Per the publication, California has relied on using prisoners since 1915.
Bianca Tylek, the executive director of Worth Rises, which advocates for criminal justice, told NPR that the system was exploitative. According to the Department of Corrections, the individuals were only paid between $5.80 and $10.24 per day (with additional pay during emergencies). California runs fire camps where inmates are trained as firefighters to respond during disasters.
Chris Brown is not the only celebrity to claim that the fires are man-made. Actor Henry Winkler (of Happy Days fame) took to X to react to the news.
"THERE IS an ARSONIST here in LA . May you be beaten you unrecognizable !!! The pain you have caused !!!" he wrote.
Actress Alison Sweeney (Days of Our Lives fame) agreed to the post. Dancing with the Stars choreographer Peta Murgatroyd retweeted a post warning Californians of "five men" in ski masks allegedly going around "starting fires." TV personality Elizabeth Chambers and podcaster Andrew Huberman also made similar claims.
On Thursday, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, in a statement, explained that the cause of fires remains under active investigation. According to CNN, around 10,000 structures have been burned down and over 150,000 remain under evacuation orders. Further, the current burnt area covers more than 36,000 acres. Reports suggest at least ten have lost their lives in the disaster.
