Tyra Banks, a supermodel and former host of “America's Next Top Model,” is one of many celebrities affected by the devastating wildfires currently sweeping through Los Angeles.
In a poignant appearance on the Australian morning show “Sunrise” on January 20, Banks revealed that her home in Los Angeles had been destroyed by fires that broke out on January 7.
“I lost my home,” Banks expressed, her voice shaking with emotion. “I didn't really discuss it, but yes, I did. I didn't want to draw too much attention to myself, because I think there were many other people who needed it more, so I kept it to myself. However, I can't sit back.” “Here I deny the fact that we lost our home.”
Splitting her time between New York and Australia, Banks was in Australia with her partner, Louis Belanger-Martin, when they learned their residence had been destroyed. “We were here at a friend’s house, having fun and celebrating,” she recounted.
“I kept checking my phone, not to get updates on my home, but to make sure friends and family were evacuating safely. Then I asked my partner: ‘I see something here, what do you think?’ and he nodded in understanding.
Banks added: “I managed to hold it together and didn’t mention anything to my friends, choosing to stay present in the moment. Later, we returned home, where we allowed ourselves to grieve and share our feelings.”
Fortunately, some cherished items have been preserved. “Since we split our time between here and New York, many of our memorabilia are safe in both locations, so I didn't lose everything, thankfully,” she said. “We lost some items, but the situation is really challenging.”
Banks expressed this by saying: “I was able to hold myself together and refrain from discussing the matter with my friends, and remained present in that moment.” After that, we returned home, where we shared our tears and lived our moment of grief.”
Fortunately, some of the items they hold dear have been preserved. “We're located between here and New York, and a lot of that memorabilia is either here or in New York, which means I don't lose everything, thankfully,” she said. “However, there were some elements that we were missing. It's really difficult.”
Banks are not the only ones facing this tragedy. Many other public figures, such as Spencer Pratt, Heidi Montag, Billy Crystal, and Anthony Hopkins, also suffered the loss of their homes. The fires have killed at least 27 people and continue to cause devastation, mainly due to the region's notorious Santa Ana winds.
Amid the devastation, major events in Hollywood were affected by the fires, leading to the postponement of the Critics' Choice Awards and the Grammy Awards being dedicated to wildfire relief efforts and honoring first responders. This serves as a poignant reminder of the significant and ongoing difficulties faced by those affected by bushfires.
Last updated on January 21, 2025 by 247 News Worldwide
