Ricki Lake cautions her followers about fundraising scams related to the LA fires that are misusing her name following the destruction of her home.

2025-03-07 02:06:30 By Elizabeth Davis

Ricki Lake warns fans of LA fire fundraising scams using her name after her home was destroyed

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Josh Flagg has expressed concern about the limited housing inventory in Los Angeles in the wake of the recent fires, stating that there is "not enough" available. He described the situation for the families impacted by the fires as "very frightening."

Ricki Lake has a warning for fans as she and others are working to rebuild their lives after the devastating LA fires.

In a recent Instagram video, the "Hairspray" actress expressed that the situation felt "surreal," particularly after discovering that someone had created a post impersonating her to solicit funds.

“I want to make it clear that I’m not requesting any funds for my own benefit,” Lake explained. “I’m not entirely sure what occurred, but it appeared that the post might have disappeared.”

Ricki Lake warned fans that anyone asking for donations on her behalf is a scam.  (Michael Kovac/Getty Images for End Well Foundation)

She mentioned her intention to donate to “several organizations” and expressed her desire to establish a fund-matching initiative for those interested in contributing, while emphasizing that she was not asking for any personal financial support from the public.

"If you come across a GoFundMe campaign featuring my name and requesting funds, please know that it is not legitimate."

Lake lost her Malibu home last week in the Palisades Fire, telling fans it had been her “dream home.”

Last week, Lake's Malibu residence was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. (Ricki Lake Instagram)

“It’s all gone,” she wrote, beneath a series of photos of her home before the fire. “I can’t believe I am typing these words.” Lake said “a valiant and brave effort” was made by their friend to save the home, but they unfortunately did not succeed. “The place where we planned to grow old together. We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved malibu for granted, not even for one second. I shared our sunset views almost daily with all of you.”

In her most recent video update, the ex-talk show host confessed that she found herself speechless.

“I am truly overwhelmed by the love and support I’ve received from everyone around me,” she expressed. “It’s been… honestly, I’m at a loss for words. I’m a talk show host, yet I find myself speechless when it comes to what we are all going through as a community here in Los Angeles.”

The "Hairspray" actress expressed her deep appreciation for the overwhelming "love and support" directed towards Los Angeles during its challenging times with the fires. (Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images)

She went on to say, “I simply wanted to reach out and express my gratitude. Thank you for holding us in your thoughts and prayers. We will heal, we will.”

At one point, the 56-year-old became emotional, saying, “My heart bleeds for the people that are going through this alongside me, and I know that I am one of the lucky ones in many ways. But I am devastated. I’m devastated for my community. I’m struggling but I’m also OK.” 

Lake, who experienced the loss of a home to a fire back in 2010, expressed, “This situation is unlike the last one. This is something entirely different. It affects our entire community, our town, our city. I can hardly believe it's already been a week. At times, it feels as if it happened just last night, and at other moments, it seems like it was five years ago. I haven't had much sleep lately. I feel like I've aged.”

The 56-year-old acknowledged she’s “one of the lucky ones” even though she lost her home.  (Chris Haston/NBC via Getty Images)

In her video, she wrapped up with a heartfelt message to her followers, saying, “I want to extend my deepest sympathies and love to all my fellow humans and our animal companions. And don’t even get me started on the animals! This situation is truly profound, everyone, but I believe we will emerge stronger as a community and a global family. Together, we will overcome these challenges. The kindness and uplifting stories I’m witnessing on social media, the goodness that exists…

"I just want to say how much I adore all of you. My love extends to every person, every furry friend, every creature that soars, and every tree. Let’s work together to become even more united and resilient."

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