Billy Crystal says ‘I fell to my knees’ as he wears clothes he fled LA wildfire in for FireAid

At the FireAid concert, Billy Crystal wore the same clothes he did when he fled from his burning family home, giving a moving speech.

The benefit concert took place on Thursday, January 30 at both the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum in California. In total, 24 artists performed to raise funds for those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.

Crystal, for example, shared his personal story of losing his home to the fire. He said, “These were the clothes I wore when I fled my house with my wife Janice like so many of us did on January 7,” in a poignant yet humorous speech. It was all I had, wore it for a week along with a N-95 mask. I resemble a 7-11 robber or an evacuee. But everybody has been so supportive. This young woman, who must have been 20, addressed me and said she understood my pain because TikTok had been lost for a day.

On a more sombre note, the When Harry Met Sally star recalled: “When we were finally able to get back to our house in the Palisades, which we lived in for 46 years, like thousands of you – our house now looks like this]shows image of the wreckage]. I fell to my knees and I wailed. Since I was 15 years old when my father had just passed away, I haven’t wept like that.

Billy Crystal received a ferocious showing of support on X, formerly Twitter, after giving a moving speech. Fans poured out their emotions for the 76-year-old actor. One admirer commented: “Billy Crystal delivered a home run speech at #FireAid”., reports the Mirror US. Another chimed in, saying, “I was crying because Billy Crystal’s speech about losing his house in the fire made me cry!” #fireaid”.

A third posted: “Thankful for Billy Crystal. People can’t just assume if you’re famous or have money, you’re not affected. It’s called being human”, while a fourth lauded: “Billy Crystal making me cry. That was a hell of a speech”.

Other stars who stepped up for the fundraiser included Billie Eilish and Finneas, Earth, Wind &amp, Fire, Gracie Abrams, Green Day, Gwen Stefani, Jelly Roll, Joni Mitchell, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, P! nk, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rod Stewart, Sting, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks, Tate McRae, among others.

According to the organizers, the concert’s goal is to “raise money to aid efforts to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California and rebuild communities that have been devastated by wildfires.” The event was broadcast and streamed live on various platforms, including Apple Music and the Apple TV app, Netflix, Paramount+ and Prime Video.

Taylor Swift has expressed her grief over the tragic wildfires in California, calling them “heartbreaking to watch.” The 35 year old vocal sensation took to her Instagram story, sharing a list of charities she’s backing—among them the California Community Foundation Fund, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. Swift shared with her followers a heartbreaking message about the destruction and resilience shown in California: “The fires have devastated so many families and it has been heartbreaking to watch these stories unfold.”

“So much suffering, loss and destruction, as many people embark on some of the most challenging times of their lives. Additionally, numerous amazing organizations and groups are collaborating to aid in the reconstruction of these communities.

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Source: Mirror