“Heartbroken beyond words,” said Paris Hilton in a post shared to social media Wednesday as fires ravaged the Los Angeles area. The 43-year-old media personality lost her Malibu home in the massive blaze.
Realtor.com said that Hilton and her husband, Carter Reum, purchased the home for $8.4 million in 2021. It was demolished in the Pacific Palisades fire, one of five active fires in Los Angeles County as of Thursday, according to CalFire.
Per the agency, the Palisades fire burned more than 17,000 acres. Other fires raging in the are included the 10,000-acre Eaton fire, the 671-acre Hurst fire, the 348-acre Lidia fire and the 43-acre Sunset Fire. Reports indicated that the Sunset fire had been contained as of Thursday and CalFire data indicated that all but the Hurst and Lidia fires had been contained.
“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,” said Hilton in her post. “This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.”
Hilton and Reum share two children, according to TODAY – a son named Phoenix who was born in January 2023 and a daughter named London who was born in November 2023.
“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires. To all the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and their beloved pets,” Hilton continued. “My heartaches for those still in harm’s way or mourning greater losses. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking.”
CalFire data shows that five deaths linked to California wildfires have been reported. However, CNN said Thursday that death totals from the Los Angeles County blazes were unclear.
In a Thursday X post, Hilton shared that she was evacuating with her pets. Hilton said that her 11:11 media brand is working to help support efforts for victims of the fires. She also urged people in the area to comply with evacuation orders and thanked first responders, including firefighters.
“We’re in this together, LA,” she said. “Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. You never know when everything could change.”
Hilton wasn’t the only celebrity to lose their home as the fires raged near Hollywood landmarks. Variety reported that Billy Crystal, Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Eugene Levy, Mandy Moore, Cary Elwes, James Woods and Cameron Mathison lost their homes. It said Adam Brody and Leighton Meester and reality stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag were among those who lost their homes as well.
Flames also tore down some local landmarks, including the Will Rogers historic ranch house and buildings at Will Rogers State Historic Park; Palisades Charter High School, known for its appearance in “Carrie” and other films; the nearly 100-year-old Topanga Ranch Motel built by William Randolph Hearst; the beloved Reel Inn Malibu seafood shack and the Bunny Museum.
Information for people interested in helping those impacted by the fires is available here.