*Chuck D of Public Enemy has criticized the misuse of the group’s 1990 song “Burn Hollywood Burn” in videos highlighting the wildfires that devastated Southern California.
“‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ is a protest song. Extracted from the Watts rebellion monikered by the magnificent Montague in 1965 against inequality when he said ‘burn baby burn’ across the air,” he wrote in a statement.
“We made mind revolution songs aimed at a one-sided exploitation by an industry,” the hip-hop star added. “Has nothing to do with families, losing everything they have in a natural disaster. Learn the history. Godspeed to those in loss.”
The LA fires have claimed at least 25 lives, destroyed over 12,300 structures, and forced thousands to evacuate. While the cause of the fires is still under investigation, authorities are reportedly focusing on a specific area to trace the origin of the Palisades Fire.
The Palisades and Eaton fires, two devastating wildfires, ignited on January 7. Driven by drought conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, they have taken many lives and caused widespread destruction in communities like Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena, and Pasadena.
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Over 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, with the Eaton Fire becoming the most destructive in the county’s history. Police have made 29 arrests in the impacted areas since the fires began, including for burglary and violating curfews.
Meanwhile, stars like Ricki Lake, Anthony Hopkins, Paris Hilton, Milo Ventimiglia, and Billy Crystal have lost their homes in the ongoing wildfires, Deadline reports.
President Biden declared the fires a major disaster and directed the federal government to cover 100% of the costs of relief efforts.
“Over 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate communities impacted by the Southern California wildfires,” wrote Biden on X. “At least two people have been killed. And many more are injured — including firefighters. It’s devastating. To the residents of Southern California: We are with you.”
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