Renowned actor Henry Winkler, widely recognized for his iconic role as Fonzie, recently sparked a lively online discussion with his bold tweet regarding the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles. In a moment of frustration and despair, Winkler suggested that the devastation was the work of an arsonist, and his words resonated far and wide.
Just days after the powerful wind-driven fires began their destructive journey through one of North America’s largest cities, Winkler expressed his alarm on X. Living in Brentwood, Los Angeles, his words reflected the anguish of seeing his city suffer such a calamity.
“THERE IS an ARSONIST here in LA,” he emphatically tweeted, further insisting, “May you be beaten you unrecognizable!!! The pain you have caused!!!” The post, hitting 7.1 million views, drew an overwhelming wave of support from his fans, who filled the comments with affirmations.
Several users echoed Winkler’s suspicion, with one noting, “I was wondering about this thought…because no one has said how it was caused.” Another mentioned a possibility of “multiple arsonists,” while a third expressed sentiment over California’s fortune, suggesting jealousy might have been a motive.
The conversation was vast, with some pondering on whether a single wrongdoer or a coordinated group was behind the devastation. “Is this a single arsonist or an organized network? There are a number of fires that have started…it’s highly feasible that this is an organized effort,” someone commented, highlighting the severity of the situation.
However, not everyone agreed with Winkler’s approach. Criticism followed, with remarks on his cool persona turning “whiny” and being labeled as a promoter of “conspiracy theories.” Despite the mixed reactions, Winkler’s words continued to fuel discussions across various platforms.
‘No conclusive evidence’
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) addressed Winkler’s statements by explaining the ongoing investigation into the fires’ origin. Through TMZ, LAFD shared, “There’s no way to know at this moment exactly where and how the series of fires started, but an investigation is underway.” They confirmed that their arson squad was involved, emphasizing that such measures are standard during large-scale fires.
David Acuna, a California fire chief speaking to the BBC, confirmed the absence of “any conclusive evidence” that the fires were purposefully started, leaving the city’s residents anxious for answers.
People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning urban areas of LA. Saw this happen first hand at 302 Pico in Santa Monica. Called it in & fire dept & police responded. Stay safe and call in any activity ASAP. We don’t need more flames out here. pic.twitter.com/AZ4GLr6N3q
— Andrew D. Huberman, Ph.D. (@hubermanlab) January 9, 2025
‘People lighting fires’
Despite official statements seeking to calm the speculations, Winkler’s tweet continued to ignite debates. Andrew Huberman, a neurobiology professor from Stanford University, shared a troubling video in the comments, accusing individuals of setting the fires.
This video took a viral turn, attracting attention from a staggering 10 million viewers, among them Elon Musk, who responded with a simple yet powerful “WOW.” It highlighted how deeply the allegations resonated with public sentiment.
With the origins of the remaining fires, such as the massive Palisades fire and the historically devastating Eaton fire, still unclear, authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the truth. The impact on California, with 24 lives lost, adds a heavy weight to the ongoing discourse.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on Winkler’s bold suggestion that these tragic fires were started with intent. What do you think? Join the conversation and share this story to gather even more insights!