Jamie Lee Curtis opened up about a moving encounter she had with another Target shopper amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
The 66-year-old actress, whose Pacific Palisades home was spared during the devastating fire, took to Instagram over the weekend to recall a moving experience she had.
While shopping at the major US retailer, she came across a man who had ‘lost everything’ in the fires as the two shared a hug.
Curtis, who was recently criticized for comparing the LA fires to “war-torn” Gaza, was one of several celebrities forced to evacuate as the fires continued to destroy property.
She wrote, “Since I couldn’t go home or into the Palisades to see firsthand the horrific destruction and try to stand up and stand up for my friends and lend a hand and hug, it became all very real. when I picked up some essentials for myself in a @target.’
“There was a man, alone, with a cart and it was clear he had lost everything and was buying underwear and socks and sweatpants and shoes and water and some food, and we looked at each other.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, 66, recounted a moving encounter she had with another Target shopper amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles; seen on January 3 in Palm Springs
The Oscar-winning star, who donated $1 million to relief efforts during the Pacific Palisades fires, continued: “I hugged him and we both cried and then it happened again with a woman and her cart of clothes and food doing the same thing and it brought into sharp relief the human toll and the shock and the deep sadness that these people feel.”
Curtis concluded her message by saying, “I am fortunate enough to have a home to return to at some point and I will do whatever I can to help those who don’t.”
Along with the post, she shared a photo of residents watching the terrifying blaze.
It comes after Curtis faced backlash after making a controversial comparison between the devastation caused by the LA bushfires and war-torn countries in the Middle East.
On Thursday, Curtis made the statement during a Q&A for The Last Showgirl, where she appeared alongside her co-star Pamela Anderson.
“The whole Pacific Palisades looks like, you know, unfortunately Gaza or one of these war-torn countries where terrible things have happened,” she said.
Social media quickly took off with people questioning the star’s comparison.
One critic wrote: ‘Comparing bushfires to war zones feels strange, it minimizes the devastation unique to each area,’ while another added: ‘It’s quite disturbing, words matter, especially from someone with her platform. ‘
The actress, whose Pacific Palisades home was spared during the devastating fire, took to Instagram this weekend to recall a moving experience she had
While shopping at the major US retailer, she came across a man who had ‘lost everything’ in the fires as the two shared a hug.
Curtis recently faced backlash after making a controversial comparison between the devastation caused by the LA wildfires and the war-torn countries of the Middle East
“The whole Pacific Palisades looks like, you know, unfortunately Gaza or one of these war-torn countries where terrible things have happened,” Curtis said; (Gaza in January 2025)
Social media quickly took off with people questioning the star’s comparison
A third wrote: ‘Don’t compare a natural disaster to a genocide!’
Others weren’t so kind, with one commenter saying: ‘Two things that have nothing to do with each other… stop it, great-grandmother…’
However, some fans were more forgiving, with one saying: ‘I respect Jamie Lee Curtis, but that comparison doesn’t make sense.’
It seems her attempt to draw attention to the destruction has missed the mark.
The backlash comes after the Halloween star revealed she is donating $1 million to LA firefighting after fighting back tears over the destruction of Pacific Palisades.
The actress announced her donation via Instagram on Thursday, revealing that she had been in contact with LA Governor Gavin Newson to discuss where the money would best be used.
She wrote: ‘While the fire continues to rage and @calfire @losangelesfiredepartment and all available first responders and agencies involved in fighting fires and saving lives are still hard at work and neighbors and friends are working together to protect each other, my husband and I and our children have committed $1 million from our Family Foundation to establish a relief fund for our great city and state and the wonderful people who live and love there.
“I am in discussions with Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass and Senator Schiff about where these funds should be directed for the most impact.”
The response comes after the Halloween star revealed she is donating $1 million to LA firefighting after fighting back tears over the destruction of Pacific Palisades
The actress announced her donation on Instagram, revealing that she had been in contact with LA Governor Gavin Newson to discuss where the money would best be used.
Curtis is pictured with husband Christopher Guest and children Ruby and Annie in 2022
This comes after Curtis fought back tears as she admitted the Pacific Palisades fires were “catastrophic” during an appearance on The Tonight Show on Wednesday.
The star flew to New York City to perform on the Jimmy Fallon-hosted show when fires began spreading through the city she calls home.
She revealed on Instagram earlier on Wednesday that her home is safe, but many of her neighbors’ homes have been destroyed.
The actress appeared in theaters on January 10 to promote her new film The Last Showgirl, but before discussing the film, she became visibly emotional as she addressed the fires.
‘I’m literally about to cry. Especially because of that beautiful welcome,” Curtis began as the audience began to applaud, with one shouting, “You are beautiful!”
Tearfully, she continued, “As you know, where I live is currently on fire. Literally the entire city of the Pacific Palisades is on fire.”
‘I flew here last night. I was on the plane and I got text messages. And it’s damn spicy, guys. It’s just a catastrophe in Southern California,” she said.
‘It is clear that there have been horrific fires in many places. This is literally where I live. Everything. The market where I shop. The schools my children go to. Friends, many, many, many, many friends have now lost their homes,” she said.
‘So it really is a terrible situation. Obviously I’m going home first thing tomorrow and be with my family and try to help my friends,” she continued.
Jamie had previously said her home was at risk of being destroyed by the bushfires, but later confirmed it was safe from the flames.
“But the thing is, I can tell you, if you know anyone on the West Coast or not, support the American Red Cross,” she said.
“They’ll come in and help people. Do everything you can. Anything in your community to help people, whether you need it or not, you will need it. Give blood, donate, whatever,” she said to applause.
“And remember, since I’m in the middle of a very big television show, everyone living anywhere should have an emergency kit at home,” she added.
“I’m an ambassador for the American Red Cross. Make sure you have an emergency kit with prescription glasses, medicine, dog food, baby food, everything you need if you have to flee,” she added.