Jheńe Aiko and Beyoncé‘s mother Tina Knowles have lost their homes to the raging Los Angeles wildfires, they have revealed.
The unprecedented event has seen areas such as the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood and the iconic Sunset Boulevard largely destroyed. At least five fires are being fought by emergency services, with three being reported as unconfined. Over 180,000 people and counting have been evacuated, with five reported deaths.
Among those who have lost their homes to the fires are singer-songwriter Jheńe Aiko and Beyoncé’s mom. Aiko broke the news over Instagram stories, writing in a now-expired post that she and her two kids were safe: “Me and my children’s home is gone. Burned to the ground with all our things inside. Lord have mercy. Thankful we still have each other. Starting from scratch. My heart is so heavy.”
Jhene Aiko reveals her home was burned down in the Los Angeles fires: “me and my children’s home is gone” 🙏💔 pic.twitter.com/NgnASR1l0h
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 9, 2025
Tina Knowles shared a video taken from her Malibu home, writing: “This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu! It was my favorite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place. Now it is gone!!”
She then thanked the fire department for their “dedication and bravery and for saving so many lives”, adding: “I’m so sad for the people who lost the five family members. My deepest prayers are with you! To the people who lost their homes and belongings, I can only imagine how it feels to lost properties and everything you own!”
In a follow-up post, Tina Knowles shared a graphic of resources and aid organisations, urging followers to donate for those in need.
Aiko and Knowles aren’t the only celebrities to have lost their homes to the LA wildfires – Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton have had their houses burnt down as well.
Crystal, known for his roles in Monsters, Inc. and When Harry Met Sally, confirmed in a statement that his Pacific Palisades home that he has lived in for 46 years has been destroyed.
“Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing” he said. “We ache for our friends and neighbours who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy. Janice and I lived in our home since 1979.
“We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this”.
The aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood. Credit: JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images
Hilton shared her experience watching her home burn on television. “Heartbroken beyond words” she wrote on Instagram. “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. This home was where we built so many precious memories”.
Cary Elwes, best known for starring in The Princess Bride and Saw, wrote on his Instagram account “sadly we did lose our home but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire”.
Oscar-winning actor James Woods broke down in tears during a live TV interview while detailing his evacuation and losing his home. “One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone” he said. He also broke down recalling his eight-year-old niece’s innocent offer of help. “She came out with her little Yeti piggy bank, for us to rebuild our house” he said while wiping away tears.
The Hollywood Sign is seen with smoke from multiple wildfires on January 08, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
A fundraiser for DIIV’s frontman Zachary Cole Smith was launched after his house succumbed to the fires. According to the GoFundMe campaign launched by their friend Lindsey Hartman, Smith and his family are safe but have unfortunately had their house burnt and destroyed in the fires.
Hartman wrote: “Dani is also six months pregnant, making this already horrifying event even more impossible to bear. This home included all of their possessions (clothing, heirlooms, prized possessions) as well as all of Cole’s musical gear, the family car, and all of their baby supplies for Roy and the newborn on the way.”
Musicians like Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande were quick to share links to resources on social media, while others detailed their experiences with evacuation. Others also shared their sympathies with the people affected by the tragedies as thousands of homes, belongings and more are being burnt to the ground.
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