Topics: California, Celebrity, Los Angeles, US News, Wildfires
Brother and sister-in-law of Mandy Moore, Kit and Griffin Goldsmith, have opened up about 'trying to figure out' what to do after losing their home in the Eaton Fire.
Singer and actor Mandy Moore - full name Amanda Leigh Moore - who rose to fame with her 1999 debut single 'Candy', is one of the of hundreds of thousands of people affected by the fire wildfires burning through California, destroying thousands of structures in Los Angeles and having taken the lives of at least 10 people.
However, when Moore shared a GoFundMe to help raise funds for her brother and sister-in-law who'd lost their home to the Eaton Fire just weeks before their baby is due to arrive, the singer seemingly faced backlash.
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The fundraiser was set up by Hilary Duff's husband, Matthew Koma, and detailed Griffin - a touring musician - losing all of his drums and studio gear in the fire, adding the kit helps him to 'make a living'.
Moore reshared the GoFundMe on Instagram encouraging followers to donate, however, she was seemingly met with some backlash, adding: "People questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic. Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe and I’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them."
Kit and Griffin have since appeared on CNN's The Lead and when asked how they're going to try and navigate their way forward, weeks away from having a baby, Kit said: "That's a question we're trying to figure out. We had an immense support group in Altadena. You know they say it takes a village to raise a family and Altadena was a vibrant village we were really relying on in this next phase of our life.
"Without that, we don't have any answers. We don't know. We're very fortunate to still have family and friends in LA. Griffin and I are both from Los Angeles, we grew up in this city, we love this city so much. And seeing it just be destroyed from end-to-end and everyone who is losing everything is a nightmare.
Breaking down in tears, she continued: "We feel for everyone who is going through this and we know we're going to bring into this world another sweet little boy and he will also be a part of this city and we will raise him when we rebuild."
Griffin added: "It's a test and we know what really matters and it is exactly that, everything... we spent out life building. I just try to remind myself the things I really care for - my family, my animals - I'm still a musician even if I'm devoid of all my instruments."
"It is awful and desire but on the other hand it's been incredibly inspiring to see the support, everybody is just filling the space with love, it's overwhelming."
Kit resolved: "Amidst all the loss is an abundance of love, it's incredible."
Like many, the couple are now faced with the question of whether or not to remain in Southern California and re-build their property or relocate, holding on and waiting to see what happens.
You can support those affected by the fires by donating to the Red Cross online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
