A controversial social media post has unleashed a firestorm of criticism during Los Angeles’s most destructive wildfire season, highlighting the divide between privileged homeowners and a community in crisis.
Desperate plea sparks backlash
As the devastating Palisades fire threatened countless homes in the Hollywood Hills, Keith Wasserman, CEO and co-founder of Gelt Venture Partners, turned to social media with an unusual request. “Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades? Need to act fast here. All neighbors houses burning. Will pay any amount. Thank you,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Community response
The post quickly went viral, accumulating over a million views before its deletion. Public reaction was swift and severe, with residents and observers condemning what many saw as a display of wealth during a communal emergency.
Mounting casualties and destruction
The timing of Wasserman’s request has drawn particular scrutiny as the region grapples with unprecedented devastation. Current reports indicate at least five fatalities, with over 27,000 acres—equivalent to 20,000 football fields—consumed by the flames. The Palisades and Eaton fires have claimed approximately 2,000 structures, marking them as the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history.
Executive background
Wasserman, who co-founded Gelt, Inc. in 2008, has built a substantial real estate empire with over $3 billion in property acquisitions across the Western United States. Despite his philanthropic work, including co-founding The Resident Relief Foundation to assist struggling renters, his recent actions have overshadowed these contributions.
Following the initial backlash, Wasserman’s attempts to defend his position only intensified public criticism. After several unsuccessful attempts to address the situation, including dismissive responses to critics, he ultimately deactivated his X account.
This incident has reignited discussions about wealth inequality and access to emergency services during natural disasters, as tens of thousands of residents continue to face evacuation orders or remain under warning.