Mandy Moore Faces Backlash For ‘Tone Deaf’ Donations Post

Mandy Moore, beloved actress and singer, has found herself at the center of a heated online debate after sharing a GoFundMe campaign to support her brother-in-law’s family, who lost their home in the devastating California wildfires.

While many sympathized with the cause and praised Moore for stepping up during a time of need, others criticized the star, questioning why a millionaire would turn to the public for donations. The backlash intensified on social media, with some labeling her plea as “tone-deaf” and accusing her of being out of touch with the struggles of everyday people.

Despite the criticism, Mandy Moore has stood by her decision, urging fans to focus on the importance of helping those in need.

“Yesterday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Griff & Kit lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire,” she began. “With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever. Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living. It’s all so much. So many have asked how to help during this unimaginable and stressful time…Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild.”

She then addressed the “people questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic.”

“Of course we are,” she added, referring to the fact that the money is going to her family. “Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe and I’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them. We just lost most of our life in a fire too. Kindly F OFF. No one is forcing you to do anything.”

However, addressing the backlash seemed to only add fuel to the fire.

“How tone deaf can one be?” one Instagram user wrote.

“Sorry but you’re a millionaire and have friends who are millionaires,” another said. “Don’t understand why you’re asking people for money. Off Instagram…”

A third expressed, “Yikes … NOT a good look from someone of her means.”

They added, “The audacity of a multimillionaire asking everyday ppl who live paycheck to paycheck to donate to her family member, when she could easily give the full goal amount without it affecting her family financially in anyway … THEN it’s the telling ppl to ‘F OFF’ for saying something about it that really gets me.

The comments continued to pour in as one social media user wrote:

“Really??? You do not have couple of millions to give them? There are people who lost their lives under Israeli and US bombs in the other part of the world and not a word! But, us, normal people should cry our eyes out and open our pockets for Americans?? Ask your fucking government! They founded and are still founding a multibillion “war” on Gaza, Lebanon and Syria. They should have some thousands bucks for you white rich. Shame on you!”

Another chimed in, “Won’t eff off when you’re worth MILLIONS asking people with DOLLARS to help. It’s in poor taste.”

While many comments were slamming the actress, others took to the comments section to stand up for Moore.

“These comments are horrifying. Thank you for sharing what we can do to help!” one of her fans said.

“The fact that you have to put the bottom sentence,” another follower wrote. “Thinking of you and everyone in LA.”

Someone else commented, “You’re a wonderful person and I’m glad to help your family out this way.”

Meanwhile, one fan understood both sides of the drama. “Nothing but respect for you as a talented actress and genuinely kind soul. However, I understand why people feel frustrated when wealthy individuals living in Los Angeles ask for donations it can feel out of touch if more context is not given,” the Instagram user expressed.

They added that while “this is undeniably a tragedy,” many are forgetting about North Carolina and “the countless other tragedies happening elsewhere.”

“This situation involves someone already living in the one of the most expensive state in the U.S., and while your support for your friends is admirable, more context would go a long way,” the social media user continued.

The user then acknowledged “it’s a heartbreaking situation” and “it’s kind of [Moore] to lend your voice to it.”

“The public may feel sour about a successful person asking for donations because it can come across as tone-deaf, given their financial privilege,” the comment stated.

“Many people struggle to make ends meet and might feel it’s unfair for someone with significant wealth or access to resources to rely on public contributions instead of addressing the issue themselves. This disparity can create frustration and resentment, especially when there are countless others in dire need without similar privileges.”