Last Updated:January 15, 2025, 13:04 IST

Many high-profile celebrities have already fallen victim to looters and in response to this growing issue, Julia Roberts expressed her anger with a sharp two-word comment.

The life-threatening wildfires in California have forced many residents to evacuate, leaving their homes vulnerable to criminal activity. High-profile celebrities have already fallen victim to thieves targeting empty mansions. In response to the growing issue, Julia Roberts voiced her frustration with a blunt two-word comment, “F.U. looters.” The thieves are particularly focused on mansions left unattended during the wildfires, as fire alarms are disabled and law enforcement is unable to reach these areas due to the danger. This comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Elon Musk for falsely claiming that looting is decriminalised.

While announcing the names of several foundations stepping up to help those affected by the wildfires, Julia condemned the criminal’s actions during such an emotional and challenging phase. She wrote, “CAA Foundation alongside Core Response, Entertainment Industry Foundation, Los Angeles Unified School District are launching SoCal Fire Fund to assist in providing Immediate and Long Term support for all those impacted by these current fires. There is so much healing and help needed. We will get through this. F.U. Looters.”

Earlier, Gavin Newsom criticised Elon Musk for “encouraging looting.” This came after Musk reposted a message on X where someone accused Newsom of decriminalising looting and restricting police from taking action against them, but now he’s against it. Musk mocked the governor by adding a clown emoji and a globe in the post. Newsom rejected Musk’s accusations and clarified that neither he nor his fellow Democrats had decriminalised looting.

Newsom wrote, “Stop encouraging looting by lying and telling people it’s decriminalised. It’s not. It’s illegal — as it always has been. Bad actors will be arrested and prosecuted.”

As per Radar Online, at least eight individuals have been arrested for looting homes located in Palisades and Eaton. As per reports, the thieves have stolen items worth over $200,000, including an Emmy award. Several celebrities, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Mark Hamill, Ben Affleck and Mandy Moore, were forced to evacuate their homes due to the ongoing wildfires. Others, such as Anna Faris, Adam Brody, Leighton Meester, Spencer Pratt, James Woods, Eugene Levy, Billy Crystal and John Goodman, helplessly witnessed their properties being ruined by flames.