People are celebrating someone losing their home? Seriously? The internet has reached a new low, cheering as James Woods evacuates his house in Pacific Palisades while wind-fueled fires rip across Los Angeles. These wildfires—fueled by some of the strongest Santa Ana winds in years—have destroyed homes, displaced families, and plunged Southern California into a state of emergency. And yet, here we are, with people gleefully typing “Karma’s high heels” as lives are upended.
The Palisades Fire alone has swallowed over 2,900 acres since Tuesday. Add the Eaton and Hurst fires, which erupted the same day, and you’ve got mass evacuations, scorched infrastructure, and yet more proof of our growing climate nightmare. But instead of compassion, some people see a platform for petty political potshots.
James Woods, an actor with over 130 credits and accolades that include two Oscars and two Emmys, shared a video of the flames creeping toward his home. And what do some online geniuses do? Mock him. Because, apparently, if someone’s political beliefs don’t align with yours, their suffering is fair game.
One X user, @MrRaceBannon, thought it was hilarious to say, “James Woods house is on fire. If only he’d raked his backyard,” referencing Trump’s bizarre 2020 comments about forest management. Really? That’s your moment of wit? Meanwhile, other commenters couldn’t wait to pile on. One said, “Poor James. I hate it when s***** things happen to even s******* people.” Another smugly declared, “Karma put her high heels on today.” And yet another called him “evil,” as though a wildfire is divine punishment for endorsing Trump.
Let’s be clear: you can dislike James Woods all you want. You can think his politics are abhorrent, his support of Trump overbearing, whatever. But celebrating someone’s house burning down? That’s not karma. That’s just cruelty masquerading as righteousness.
Thankfully, not everyone has lost their moral compass. One user, @ChrisDJackson, summed it up perfectly: “I’m no fan of James Woods, but seeing people cheer that his home is on fire is disgusting. Wishing harm on someone over political differences is a sad reflection of where we are. And no, I don’t give a damn what the other side does—be better.”
Maybe it’s time we all take a step back. Politics are ugly enough without turning someone else’s disaster into a reason to gloat. Be better.
