Actress Yvette Nicole Brown and comedian Kym Whitley are rallying in defense of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as she faces criticism for her handling of devastating wildfires. The pair argue that much of the backlash is fueled by racial bias.
Stars like Yvette Nicole Brown Defend Karen Bass Amid Firestorm
“Karen Bass has a spine of steel,” Brown said in an impassioned interview. “She’s been a Black woman in America for a long time, so none of this is new to her.”
Whitley echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for support during the crisis. “We’re mad for her,” she said. “Somebody needs to stand behind her. She’s handling this with grace while managing an entire city.”
The Pacific Palisades fire, the largest of several wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, has burned over 23,000 acres and led to widespread evacuations. Despite efforts to coordinate responses, Bass has come under fire, including harsh criticism from celebrities like Khloé Kardashian, who called the mayor “a joke.”
Brown pointed out that Malibu, one of the affected areas, is outside Bass’s jurisdiction, being overseen by its own mayor. “People are laying blame without understanding how the city is divided,” she said.
Whitley also highlighted Bass’s proactive measures, noting that she has coordinated international aid to combat the blazes. “She’s brought in firefighters from other countries. What more can she do?” she asked.
The criticism, according to Brown, marks a troubling departure from past crises. “I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 30 years, and I’ve never seen a mayor blamed like this for wildfires,” she said. “Now what’s different this time? Interesting, isn’t it?”
Despite the attacks, Mayor Bass remains focused on saving lives and protecting property. Addressing budget cut criticisms, she clarified that recent reductions did not impact current firefighting efforts. “Our priority is saving lives, not debating the budget,” Bass said.
As firefighters continue battling the flames, Brown and Whitley urge Angelenos to support their mayor. “This is not the time to point fingers,” Whitley said. “It’s the time to come together.”