The Weeknd has pledged $1 million to aid relief efforts across Los Angeles during its ongoing wildfire crisis, per billboard.com. The donation, announced Friday, will be distributed among three key organisations: the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
The “Blinding Lights” singer’s contribution comes as part of a broader initiative involving his XO Humanitarian Fund and the World Food Program USA. This generous move follows his recent decision to postpone both his album release and a scheduled Rose Bowl concert due to the devastating fires affecting the Pasadena area.
The wildfires, which first erupted in Pacific Palisades on January 7, have wreaked havoc across Los Angeles County, claiming at least 25 lives and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. The donation will support both first responders battling the flames and displaced residents struggling to cope with the disaster.
“The city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time,” The Weeknd stated earlier this week when announcing the postponement of his concert and album release. His new album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” originally scheduled for January 24, will now drop on January 31.
The Weeknd joins a growing list of music industry figures stepping up to support the city. Taylor Swift has backed several charitable causes, while Doja Cat launched a custom merchandise line benefiting the American Red Cross. Major music organisations including ASCAP, Guitar Center Music Foundation, and the Recording Academy have established emergency funds for those affected.
The industry’s response continues to grow, with Live Nation, AEG and the Azoff Company organizing a FireAid benefit concert at the Intuit Dome on January 30. The event will feature an all-star lineup including Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, and Gwen Stefani, demonstrating the music community’s united front in supporting Los Angeles through this devastating crisis.
- Image: The Weeknd, aka Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, at Cannes Film Festival 2023/Rocco Spaziani/Archivio Spaziani/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
