The celebrity-packed charity concert that managed to generate over $100 million for California’s wildfire victims is now facing criticism regarding its financial allocations.
“I’ve witnessed no benefits from the FireAid funds, and I’m heavily involved in the community alongside my neighbors,” mentioned David Howard, who lost two of his homes in Pacific Palisades.
FireAid promoted itself as “a charity concert for wildfire victims.” The five-hour event, which included performances from artists such as Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, and Olivia Rodrigo, also featured numerous accounts from victims of the Altadena and Palisades fires who had lost their homes.
At least $6.5 million in donor money also went to the County of Los Angeles.
All told, FireAid says it has granted $75 million so far to 188 non-profits. The remaining $25 million should go out in August and will focus on “long-term wildfire mitigation, environmental resilience, and sustainable rebuilding,” according to the group.
The LA Times this week published an extensive piece on FireAid funding, contacting 100 non-profits receiving aid. It said the money provided a lifeline to many groups, allowing them to provide food, shelter, mental health services and animal care.
Lady Gaga performs onstage during the FIREAID Benefit Concert for California Fire Relief at Intuit Dome on January 30, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images for FIREAID)
So who exactly who is responsible for how the money is spent? That’s not entirely clear. The Annenberg Foundation helped organize the concert but claims only an advisory role in how the money is spent.
An Annenberg spokesperson says spending decisions are made by the FireAid Advisory Committee made up of respected philanthropists. They make recommendations to the FireAid Board of Trustees. It includes several executives from the LA Clipper basketball team, a businessman and wife of a prominent media executive.
While there is no evidence of fraud, California Congressman Kevin Kiley wants U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate “where these donations went and who benefited.”
We asked fire victim David Howard if the thought that was necessary.
“100%,” he said. “No question. We need to get to the bottom of where the money is going. A lot of money is going to non-profits in a lot of different areas and it’s not going to where it needs to.”
