The Weeknd Donates $1 Million to L.A. Wildfire Relief
The star previously cancelled his album release party at the Rose Bowl due to the ongoing crisis.
The Weeknd has donated $1 million to relief efforts amid the ongoing wildfire crisis in the Los Angeles area, spreading out his contribution among three different organizations working to aid victims and repair the city.
As announced Friday (Jan. 17), the superstar born Abel Tesfaye has chosen to support the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank with his donation. The money will benefit first responders — who are still working to subdue the catastrophic flames in multiple parts of L.A. — as well as many of the tens of thousands of residents who have been displaced from their homes due to evacuation orders around the city.
The relief efforts supported by the “Blinding Lights” singer’s donation are also in partnership with World Food Program USA and The Weeknd’s XO Humanitarian Fund.
The Weeknd’s donation comes just four days after the hitmaker canceled his Rose Bowl concert in L.A. due to the fires affecting Pasadena. The show had been scheduled for Jan. 25, one day after his album Hurry Up Tomorrow had been slated to drop.
The Canadian star also delayed the release of the LP to Jan. 31, writing in a statement at the time that the decisions had been made “out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County.”
“The city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time,” he’d added. “My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild.”
Tesfaye is just the latest star to rally around relief efforts since wildfires first broke out in Pacific Palisades Jan. 7, rapidly spreading throughout the city. More fires quickly broke out in other parts of L.A. County, destroying countless structures and leaving at least 25 people dead so far.
One day prior, Taylor Swift announced that she was supporting a number of charitable causes assisting victims of the fires, while Doja Cat previously unveiled a custom merch line that will funnel proceeds to the American Red Cross’ efforts in the area. Music industry organizations such as ASCAP, Guitar Center Music Foundation and the Recording Academy have created emergency funds and resource pools for those affected, while Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation, Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group and more have also made sizable donations to the cause.
Plus, Live Nation, AEG and the Azoff Company are planning a FireAid benefit concert at the Intuit Dome on Jan. 30, unveiling a lineup led by Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Gwen Stefani and more stars Thursday (Jan. 16).
