Well, Kristen Bell has found herself in hot water again, and this time it’s over what can only be described as the Hollywood elite’s version of “Let them eat cake.”
While thousands of Californians are scrambling to piece their lives back together after devastating wildfires, Bell decided it was the perfect moment to lecture everyday Americans about their donations. Because, you know, the biggest problem in a natural disaster is not the loss of homes, livelihoods, and stability—it’s that someone dared to donate a slightly used Mickey Mouse t-shirt. Priorities, Kristen, priorities.
In an Instagram video, the actress—joined by fellow Hollywood alum Joy Bryant—encouraged people to donate to wildfire victims but with some pretty condescending caveats. “Don’t send trash,” Bell proclaimed, as though the average person raiding their closet for donations is intentionally bagging up garbage to send to evacuation centers.
The pair went on to criticize the condition of some of the items they sorted while volunteering, lamenting that they came across “garbage” like damaged or stained clothing. To Bell, if an item isn’t something you’d give to your “best friend,” it apparently doesn’t deserve to be donated.
Now, on the surface, sure—donating items that are clean, functional, and in decent shape is just common sense. But in a moment where 180,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, with many having absolutely nothing to return to, maybe nitpicking the quality of donations isn’t the tone you want to strike.
People aren’t donating items to win a fashion contest; they’re donating what they can because they want to help. Maybe that Mickey Mouse t-shirt or old hoodie isn’t up to Beverly Hills standards, but for someone who’s lost everything, it’s a start. The last thing anyone wants to hear while trying to help is a privileged celebrity wagging their finger about how their generosity isn’t up to par.
Of course, Bell and Bryant made sure to throw in a few patronizing “thank yous” and disclaimers, with Bell saying, “If this is helpful, use it. If it’s not, ignore us.” Well, Kristen, judging by the backlash on social media, people are choosing option B. One commenter summed up the frustration perfectly, saying, “News flash: most of us wear items that are torn or dirty.
We can’t afford clothes with the price of groceries and gas and everything else.” Another added, “Complaining about donations is kinda crazy.” And they’re not wrong. In an economy where inflation has stretched Americans to their limits, people are doing the best they can. Bell’s comments only highlight how disconnected Hollywood can be from the reality most people live in.
The irony of all this is that Bell and her Hollywood friends, who probably have closets overflowing with designer clothes and million-dollar homes far removed from the wildfire zones, are the last people who should be lecturing anyone. If Bell really wants people to donate brand-new items, maybe she could set an example by dropping some of that Disney royalty cash on a truckload of fresh supplies. Instead, we get this self-righteous sermon from the comfort of her Instagram account.
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Here’s the thing: disasters like these are heartbreaking, and Americans—regardless of their political affiliations—have always stepped up to help. Bell’s video could’ve been a simple thank-you to those donating their time and resources. Instead, it came off as judgmental and tone-deaf, sparking unnecessary outrage during a time when people should be focused on helping, not defending their efforts against celebrity criticism.
No one expects Kristen Bell to be perfect, but maybe next time, she should read the room—or better yet, skip the lectures altogether and stick to what she does best: voicing animated princesses. Because let’s be honest, Elsa telling people to “let it go” hits a lot differently when it’s about their slightly worn sneakers.
