Netizens are defending Angelina Jolie against the probing questions a reporter asked her about the California wildfires, which, according to a news outlet, the star has been helping with.
Two days ago, TMZ shared a video of Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie, her son Knox Jolie-Pitt, and an unidentified woman loading supplies into her black SUV in the middle of a parking lot. The reporter recording the video approached the star to ask questions about what she has done to support those affected by the severe wildfires, which rubbed netizens the wrong way.
User comment about the reporter asking Angelina Jolie questions about the California wildfires, posted on January 12, 2025. | Source: Instagram/tmz_tv
In the post, the reporter can be heard calling out to Jolie, asking, “Hi, Angelina, how are you? Are you concerned about any of the fires going on?”
The “Maria” star, who was preoccupied with loading her car, briefly glanced up and answered, “Yeah, we’re just — we’re having people at our house.”
Angelina Jolie loading supplies into her car with Knox Jolie-Pitt, posted on January 12, 2025. | Source: Instagram/tmz_tv
As she continued to work alongside her son, who briefly smiled at the camera, and the unidentified woman, the reporter pressed on, inquiring whether she planned to make any donations toward relief efforts.
Jolie remained composed, responding, “I will. Right now, I’m taking care of people close to me, and having them at my house.” The exchange ended politely, with the reporter thanking Jolie for her time, to which she responded with a simple “thank you” in return.
Angelina Jolie and Knox Jolie-Pitt. | Source: Instagram/tmz_tv
Alongside the video, TMZ captioned, “#AngelinaJolie’s focused on helping her close friends and family affected by the Los Angeles fires right now — but, she hasn’t forgotten the community at large.”
Social media users wasted no time defending Jolie, slamming the reporter for what they deemed an intrusive and poorly timed approach.
“How rude to ask if she is giving donations,” noted a spectator, while another vehemently expressed, “Are you concerned about any of the fires that’s going on!? Really!? She’s one of the biggest humanitarians that we know. She’s an Ambassador isn’t she!? I love Angelina [sic]!”
Angelina Jolie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California on January 5, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
An Instagrammer called out the insensitivity of the situation, saying, “That is so wild 😢 so rude! Angelina if you woulda cut up I would have understood [sic]!” Echoing that sentiment, someone else pointed out, “Second [sic] question was terrible.”
“She ows no one an explation. You can see she was busy there.. there was no need to ‘interrogate’ her is she is doing something to help [sic]…” asserted a netizen.
Angelina Jolie spotted out in New York City on December 3, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
One person sympathized with the actress’ position, “I feel bad that the people pressed her like that. Like, she is still just a person regardless of the celeb status. She is going to take care of her family and friends first. There are plenty of people in Hollywood that will help rebuild it.”
“I personally think that questioning is out of line. If I give I don’t tell anyone…it’s nobody’s business. Ppl are so pushy and nosey!” remarked a social media user.
Angelina Jolie spotted out in New York City on November 13, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, some expressed admiration for the star and her son. “Man I have so much love and respect for Angelina Jolie, and she raised her kids to be humble and respectful too 💙💙,” swooned a fan.
“Aw her son so [sic] polite,” noticed a fellow admirer, while another gushed, “Knox is very tall and handsome. He resembles her.”
Angelina Jolie and Knox Jolie-Pitt at the 15th annual Governor’s Awards in Los Angeles, California on November 17, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the backlash the reporter faced, Jolie’s composed responses in the video hinted at the larger picture — she was focused on helping those closest to her during a time of crisis. Adding to her noble efforts is the reported fact that she is going beyond offering temporary shelter to friends and family.
Angelina Jolie at the 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards in Palm Springs, California on January 3, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
According to someone dubbed a source by People magazine, Jolie and all six of her children have been actively volunteering across California as wildfires continue to ravage communities.
The insider shared that Jolie’s children are reaching out to learn what is needed and jumping into action to assist where they can.
Angelina Jolie with her kids Shiloh, Zahara and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Maddox and Knox Jolie-Pitt at the UK Gala Screening of “Eternals” in London, England on October 27, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
From visiting firefighters at the Rose Bowl to working closely with World Central Kitchen — a group she first partnered with during her humanitarian visit to Ukraine last year (2024) — Angelina Jolie has been quietly contributing to relief efforts without seeking recognition. “She isn’t posting or announcing efforts. Just trying to listen and learn,” explained the source.
Angelina Jolie spotted out in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
They also disclosed, “Angie is heartbroken for those who have lost their homes or are impacted by the fires,” adding that the “Eternals” talent remains determined to help however she can, from donating supplies to opening her home to friends forced to evacuate.
Angelina Jolie spotted arriving for the screening of “Maria” in New York City on November 13, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The wildfires raging across Southern California continue to leave a devastating toll in their wake. According to a recent update from the LA County medical examiner, the death toll climbed to 24 as of Sunday (January 12, 2025), with officials confirming that at least 16 more people remain missing.
The Eaton Fire burning a mountain in Los Angeles, California on January 9, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
The Eaton Fire has claimed the most lives, with 16 victims found in that zone alone, while eight fatalities were reported in the Palisades area. Authorities fear the numbers could continue to rise as search and rescue efforts persist in the hardest-hit communities.
As the fires burn through vast areas of Los Angeles County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has been keeping residents informed with live updates on the department’s website.
Currently, the Palisades Fire has consumed 23,713 acres with only 17% containment, and the Eaton Fire, covering 14,117 acres, is at 35% containment. While the Hurst Fire is nearly extinguished at 97% containment, new incidents, like the Auto Fire in Ventura County, continue to spark — with zero containment reported since it began on January 13.
According to CAL FIRE, more than 22,600 emergency responses have been dispatched, with over 40,000 total acres burned, and more than 12,300 structures destroyed across the affected regions.
Damage assessments are still ongoing for both the Eaton and Palisades Fires as officials work tirelessly to manage the crisis.
A firefighter dousing a home caught on fire in Pacific Palisades, California on January 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Aside from live updates, CAL FIRE offers a host of resources on its website, including the CAL FIRE Newsroom, Cal FIRE Community e-News, and the 2024 CAL FIRE Strategic Plan to keep the public updated.
Additionally, the organization emphasizes its commitment to combating the unprecedented threat of wildfires by implementing fire-prevention strategies, enforcing sustainable logging practices, and working to reforest areas devastated by catastrophic events.