Star-Studded Outrage: Celebrities Unite to Address Devastating Maui Wildfires
Celebrities including Barack Obama, Jason Momoa, and Mick Fleetwood joined forces to raise awareness about the devastating Maui fires that forced residents to evacuate
Celebrities are extending their thoughts and prayers to Maui in light of the devastating wildfires.
The powerful winds on Tuesday, August 8, sparked brush fires that ravaged a significant portion of Maui. As a result, President Joe Biden declared a "major disaster" in Hawaii and authorized the dispatch of federal assistance.
"Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of the victims who tragically lost their loved ones in the devastating wildfires in Maui. Our thoughts and prayers are also with those who have suffered the destruction of their homes, businesses, and communities," stated President Biden, aged 80, in an official statement released on Wednesday, August 9th. "We express our gratitude to the courageous firefighters and first responders who fearlessly rush towards danger, willingly putting themselves at risk to save lives."
At the current time of this publication, the unfortunate events in Maui have claimed the lives of 36 individuals.
See celebrities' responses to the catastrophic events in Maui below.
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Barack Obama, Jason Momoa, Mick Fleetwood and More Celebrities Speak Out About Maui Fires
Celebrities are sending their thoughts and prayers to Maui amid the deadly wildfires.
Strong winds fueled brush fires that devastated much of Maui on August 8, prompting President Joe Biden to declare a state of "major disaster" in Hawaii and authorize federal assistance. In a statement from the White House on August 9, Biden, 80, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the wildfires in Maui and expressed his support for those who have lost their homes, businesses, and communities. He also commended the courageous firefighters and first responders who selflessly put their lives on the line to protect others.
At the time of this publication, 36 individuals have lost their lives due to the wreckage in Maui. According to a resident interviewed by CNN on Thursday, August 10, Lahaina has experienced severe devastation. People are resorting to jumping into the ocean to flee from the flames, and the coast guard is actively involved in their rescue. All boat owners have been urged to assist in rescuing individuals, as the situation has been described as apocalyptic.
Scroll down to see stars’ reactions to the Maui disaster:
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Jason Momoa
"Our hearts go out to our friends and 'ohana on Maui who have been deeply affected by the devastating wildfires," Momoa expressed in an Instagram post. Alongside the heartfelt message, he also shared valuable information on how individuals can provide assistance during this challenging time.
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Mick Fleetwood
"Having called MAUI and The Lahaina community my home for several decades, I am deeply saddened to witness the destruction that the fires have caused," Fleetwood expressed as he shared an image of his restaurant. "The loss of Fleetwoods on Front Street is truly heartbreaking, but our utmost concern lies in the safety and well-being of our valued staff and team members. In this difficult time, my family and I extend our sincerest thoughts and prayers to the people of MAUI. Rest assured, we are fully committed to standing by the community and providing support to those affected by this catastrophe in the coming days, months, and years ahead."
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Bette Midler
“The stunning island of #Maui, situated in the most picturesque state in the nation, is currently facing hardship,” tweeted Midler on Thursday. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to all those who have suffered losses, big or small, due to the #MauiFires.”
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Barack Obama
Obama expressed his concern for the distressing images emerging from Hawai’i, a place that holds a special significance for many. On Wednesday, he shared through his Instagram Story, "Our thoughts are with those who have lost dear ones or whose lives have been profoundly disrupted."
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Janel Parrish
Parrish shared on her Thursday Instagram Story ways to render assistance to my home state amidst these destructive fires, including details about fundraisers and various donation methods.
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Bethany Hamilton
“Pray for Maui,” Hamilton shared via her Instagram Story Wednesday with a video showing the devastation of the Hawaii fires.
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Carlos PenaVega
“I am speechless,” PenaVega expressed in his Instagram Story on Wednesday. “Please keep Maui in your prayers. Alexa and I are collaborating with various teams to determine the most effective ways for all of you to support our community. Stay tuned.”
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Sophia Bush
Bush shared several ways to offer assistance through her Instagram Story on Thursday. These include providing a link to the Hawaiian council, which is currently conducting a match campaign in collaboration with Kākoʻo Haleakalā and the Alakaʻina Foundation Family of Companies.
