Beyoncé Donates $2.5M to LA Fire Relief, Meghan Markle Delays Netflix Show/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Beyoncé has donated $2.5 million to a wildfire relief fund for Los Angeles, joining Netflix and Comcast in pledging millions for victims of the devastating fires. Meghan Markle postponed her Netflix series to focus on aiding affected communities, while the entertainment industry adjusts to the disaster’s widespread impact.
Hollywood Responds to LA Wildfires: Quick Looks
- Beyoncé’s Contribution: Donated $2.5M to help Altadena and Pasadena fire victims via her BeyGOOD foundation.
- Corporate Donations: Netflix and Comcast pledged $10M each to relief organizations.
- Show Delayed: Meghan Markle postponed her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, to March 4.
- Cultural Losses: Original works by composer Arnold Schoenberg were destroyed in the fires.
- Wider Impact: The Sundance Film Festival plans to proceed as scheduled despite industry disruptions.
Beyoncé Donates $2.5M to LA Fire Relief, Meghan Markle Delays Netflix Show
Deep Look:
Beyoncé Leads Relief Efforts
Beyoncé has donated $2.5 million to a newly established LA Fire Relief Fund through her charitable foundation, BeyGOOD. The fund aims to assist displaced families, churches, and community centers in areas hardest hit by the fires, such as Altadena and Pasadena.
- Foundation’s Mission: BeyGOOD focuses on economic equity and aiding under-resourced communities.
- Personal Loss: Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, revealed that her Malibu bungalow was destroyed in the fires, describing it as her “sacred happy place.”
Netflix and Comcast followed suit, each pledging $10 million. Netflix’s donation will be distributed among organizations such as World Central Kitchen and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Comcast allocated a portion of its funds to Habitat for Humanity’s ReBUILD LA initiative.
Meghan Markle Postpones Netflix Series
Meghan Markle delayed the premiere of her Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, originally set to debut this week. The Duchess of Sussex, a Los Angeles native, chose to prioritize relief efforts in her community.
- Community Outreach: Meghan and Prince Harry visited Pasadena, distributing food and water to victims and thanking first responders.
- Series Details: The show will showcase Meghan’s skills in floral design, baking, and more, and is now set to launch on March 4.
Cultural Losses and Industry Impact
The LA fires have devastated not just homes but cultural assets:
- Schoenberg Archives Destroyed: Belmont Music Publishers confirmed that original manuscripts and scores by composer Arnold Schoenberg were lost in the Pacific Palisades fires. Schoenberg’s works are considered milestones in modern classical music.
- Hollywood Adjustments: The Academy postponed its nominee gathering, and other events faced disruptions.
Despite the challenges, the Sundance Film Festival in Utah will proceed as planned. The festival reached out to Southern California registrants to offer support and encourage sharing their experiences.
Broad Support from the Entertainment Industry
Additional contributions include:
- Screen Actors Guild: Pledged $1 million to support members affected by the fires.
- Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS: Donated $500,000 to aid LA-area residents and first responders.
Fire Update and Outlook
- Current Impact: The fires have destroyed thousands of homes, left 24 dead, and displaced many more. Winds are expected to pick up this week, potentially worsening conditions.
- Relief Needed: Donations and support continue to pour in as recovery efforts face significant challenges, including potential famine risks for displaced residents.
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