Influencer faces severe backlash for tone-deaf stories about Palisades fire: 'Girl, read the room'

Amid the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, we are witnessing truly heartbreaking stories of displacement, loss of lives and destruction of property. While the community in Pacific Palisades is putting all its efforts into bringing the blaze under control, the results on the ground remain sluggish. In the midst of all this, a social media influencer added fuel to the ongoing crisis through her irresponsible statements. The Canadian internet personality, Meg DeAngelis—who goes by @megandeangelis on Instagram—reportedly posted a few insensitive stories, attempting to undermine the tragedy wreaking havoc in Southern California. 

A widely circulating video reshared by the Daily Mail showed DeAngelis downplaying one of the most significant tragedies to hit LA in recent times. “When I escaped NYC because it was too cold, but now this one is literally burning down,” the 29-year-old wrote while adding a photo of her pouting. An old picture of the Canadian influencer, who recently moved to California, also went viral, showing her posing in front of a house on fire. Her stories led to massive outrage on social sites, with people calling her out for being “privileged” and for her “tone-deaf” remarks. “Oh my God! Girl, read the room,” the outlet quoted @blondiemandie38 as saying.

Among the countless such reactions, @kitchentooth6179 wrote, “Omg, wth...NYC was too cold, and this one is too ‘hot’ because thousands of homes have burned down and people have died?” Another critique, @Main-Length-6385 asked, “If you don't have helpful information for people in this ongoing crisis, why are you posting? People are so disgustingly narcissistic they just have to post on Instagram and somehow make this catastrophic situation about themselves.” The widespread criticism forced DeAngelis to issue an immediate rebuttal. According to the outlet, the Canadian influencer, who is currently in LA, posted another picture of the glowing orange California sky.

“In all seriousness, this is heartbreaking. I'm thinking about all the wildlife and everyone who is affected. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Love you and make sure you check on your friends!” she remarked, as per the outlet. She later posted a follow-up video on TikTok to clarify her stance and to issue a formal apology to the victims. “I photoshopped myself in front of a burning house, and I regret it. Honestly, who would have known a photo that I made three years ago to be a cover for a song would be used to make people think I was taking selfies in front of the LA fires?” DeAngelis was heard saying in a two-minute monologue, days after her stories went viral on social media. While talking about the industry, the influencer shared, “People in the art department, people who work in production offices, camera crew, writers, and so many more. Those are also the people who've had to evacuate, had their homes destroyed. Those are my friends. And it's just as devastating to see them have to evacuate and to see them losing their homes.”

You can follow Meg DeAngelis (@megandeangelis) on Instagram and TikTok for lifestyle content.