If you are an avid sports fan, you must be aware of the next destination of the Olympic Games. Indeed, it’s Los Angeles, and after a successful Paris Olympics, fans are already looking forward to the venue. It will be a home game for a lot of American athletes from different sports. But the anticipation has gone downhill after disaster struck the city in the form of the LA wildfire.
Many things were destroyed due to this natural disaster, and major evacuation procedures have been implemented. However, people, including many prominent names in the world, have lost millions’ worth of stuff in the LA wildfire. Recently, the official social media profile of LA28 showcased their concerns towards the affected people, especially the region, but since the community is already frustrated, they resorted to trolling the Olympics organizers.
Sending out a concerning message amid LA wildfire
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As of January 10, the LA wildfire has destroyed more than 10,000 structures, spanning over 35,000 acres. Sadly, ten people have lost their lives during the approximately 200,000 evacuations. Despite the heartbreak, the firefighters continue to work around the clock, with the evacuation process scheduled to transport over 200,000 people from the affected areas to a safe location.
Indeed, it is a moment of concern for anyone related to the place, and with the Olympic Games being hosted in 2028 in the same place, LA28 took to X, stating, “To LA, our city, our community, our home- We are eternally grateful to the firefighters, first responders, and everyday Angelenos working around the clock to keep us safe from the devastating wildfires. Our hearts are broken, but we are resilient and so proud to be part of this united and kind community.”
Furthermore, they also shared a link, writing, “We are with you LA. For those in need of help or support, we encourage you to visit the link below for more information.” But what for? The official account of the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games dedicated the link to five specific sites. While one was for the coveted event, the others were dedicated to the American Red Cross LA Region, Los Angeles Fire Department Fund, California Fire Foundation, and Emergency Airbnb Support.
We are with you LA.
For those in need of help or support, we encourage you to visit the link below for more information.
🔗 https://t.co/iXFkvkdDW7 pic.twitter.com/lFBR2jXB4v
— LA28 (@LA28) January 10, 2025
All of these websites were dedicated to supporting the residents affected by this LA wildfire, and they didn’t hesitate to extend their helping hand during such treacherous times. However, the public’s perspective was not entirely positive, as they immediately criticized LA28 on social media.
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The community is not ready to accept the statement by the Olympics organizers
These are crucial times for everyone to unite and step in for those who have been severely affected by the natural disaster. However, despite LA28’s statement to help the locals, internet users had different opinions, as one user stated, “In other words… ‘Thank you for sacrificing your multi-million dollar homes to allow us to purchase the land at rock-bottom prices for the building of Olympic facilities.’ See: Hawaii” With sarcasm, another comment read, “Does clicking the link replace houses? Asking for the mayor.”
People are enraged, and it’s understandable. There have been many who have been affected, including a few major names in the sports world. Indeed, former swimming legend Gary Hall Jr. almost lost property and business worth around $1 million. The moment the Olympian saw the flames approaching his house in Palisades, he rushed towards the ocean in his car with his pet dog, grabbing only a few belongings.
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Indeed, the frustrations were clear, as another social media user stated, “Oh, come on, we know what you are doing. Don’t try to show that you really care 😂” Many were in disbelief, as one comment read, “Man don’t need to show such false concern, after the fire you’ll be the one getting things stuff for cheap instead helping people stand back up on their feet.”
The situation is intense in LA. And this is completely not a good sign for the future Olympics. The community is already dissatisfied with the handling of the natural disaster. And if this situation persists, social media will become a playground for trolls. However, we extend our prayers to those affected, wishing them a speedy recovery.
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Is LA28's response genuine concern or just a PR move to cover their future plans?
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