Jean Smart Sparks Debate With Idea For How To Raise Money Amid Devastating L.A. Wildfires

Actor Jean Smart shared a bold approach to raising funds for first responders and families affected by the fires that continue to rage throughout Los Angeles.

Smart, who recently won her second Golden Globe award for the Max comedy-drama Hacks, took to Instagram and wrote:

“Attention! With ALL due respect, during Hollywood’s season of celebration, I hope any of the networks televising the upcoming awards will seriously consider NOT televising them and donating the revenue they would have garnered to victims of the fires and the firefighters."

Her suggestion was met with some polarization in the comments.

One confused user thought telecasts were needed to raise revenue to make contributions to the cause.

"I thought the profit money was generated by ad sales for the show," they wrote, adding:

"Could the show still go on but all profits be donated? Then could the awards shows could be produced as fundraisers, too - sort of like a telethon?"

Another wondered:

"Will they get the revenue without showing them though? 🤔"

A third suggested this alternative.

"Or celebrities could donate?"

Others gave a thumbs up to Smart's suggestion, including from actor Bonnie Somerville.

@realjeansmart/Instagram

@realjeansmart/Instagram

@realjeansmart/Instagram

@realjeansmart/Instagram

@realjeansmart/Instagram

People continued sharing thoughts.

@realjeansmart/Instagram

@realjeansmart/Instagram

@realjeansmart/Instagram

@realjeansmart/Instagram

An alleged industry talent executive named Kate Tuckwood argued against the idea, explaining it was more complicated than people realize.

They wrote:

"As an employee for said award shows - those of us ‘below the line’ rely on award season financially to get us through the year."

"Jean, my job as a Talent Executive exists solely to celebrate your achievements and ensure you and your peers have an enjoyable time at these events."

"Productions shutting down will further contribute to the demise of LA. How will those of us rebuild if we can’t work?"

"As you know - WE aren’t the network. We are your drivers, your stylists, caterers, pas, riggers…"

The user continued:

"I’m sure producers will find a way to do the right thing creatively and also not put thousands of us out of work when we all need it the most. This is what creatives do - we evolve."

"I realize everyone is trying to help, but statements like this are damaging."

The statement concluded with, "Please take care of us the way we try to do for you. x."

Others echoed the sentiment.

@realjeansmart/Instagram

@realjeansmart/Instagram

With the Globes behind us, upcoming entertainment industry award shows that have been postponed include the Critics Choice Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Grammys, and the Academy Awards ceremonies.

The voting deadline for the Academy Awards was extended by two days to January 14 instead of closing on January 12 due to the L.A. fires.

The nomination announcement for the Oscars, originally scheduled for January 17, has now moved to January 19.

Strong Santa Ana winds fanned blazes throughout Southern California, resulting in the destruction of 1,000 structures in the Pacific Palisades wildfire that started Tuesday morning.

The Eaton fire also remains an active wildfire, forcing 100,000 residents to evacuate.

Another fire broke out in Hollywood on Wednesday evening but the evacuation order has since been lifted after more than 150 firefighters were deployed to fight what is being referred to as the Sunset Fire.

Dozens of organizations, including the Salvation Army and the California Fire Foundation, are accepting donations for disaster relief online.

Those wishing to contribute can also visit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank or SupplyBank.org Disaster Relief Fund, which is accepting donations to provide crucial supplies, support, and resources for communities in need.