Danny Trejo Believes Now Is Not The Time After Kim Kardashian Called Out L.A. Firefighters' Low Pay
By Afouda Bamidele on January 15, 2025 at 9:45 AM EST
Danny Trejo is not holding back regarding Hollywood's response to the Los Angeles wildfires. He has called out Kim Kardashian for using the crisis to highlight firefighter wages.
This is not the first time Kardashian has faced heat during wildfire season. She previously received backlash for promoting a SKIMS sale while the city burned.
Kim Kardashian's latest remarks about the first responders' pay began after she criticized the low wages of inmate firefighters.
Danny Trejo Wants Kim Kardashian To Keep The Focus On Helping Victims
The legendary actor aimed particularly at Kardashian's recent comments, stating that her stance is misguided. While she may mean well, he says turning the focus toward political debates like inmate pay shifts attention away from what truly matters—helping the victims of the devastating wildfires.
Trejo, who reportedly knows the system firsthand from his days as an inmate firefighter, argues that incarcerated firefighters receive more than just financial compensation.
According to TMZ, he highlights how these individuals volunteer for the dangerous job in exchange for significant reductions in their sentences—something the 80-year-old insists they value far more than money.
He also points out that even if inmate firefighters were paid more, most of it would go toward restitution, leaving them with little in their pockets.
Kardashian Demanded Higher Pay For Inmate Firefighters
Trejo's comments come in response to Kardashian's call for more recognition and higher pay for these unsung heroes. The reality TV star recently took to Instagram to tag Governor Gavin Newsom, calling for action to raise wages for the inmates risking their lives on the frontlines.
Per TMZ's report, Kardashian pointed out that these individuals are working grueling hours under dangerous conditions for just $1 an hour—a rate she argued is unacceptable, especially given the massive scale of the disaster.
Reports indicate that around 1,000 inmates are assisting in combating the wildfires, which have already burned over 40,000 acres and claimed at least 16 lives. Despite the dangers, no inmate firefighter deaths have been reported.
The SKIMS Founder Was Slammed For Promotion Amid L.A. Wildfires
Although she advocated for higher pay for firefighters, it is worth noting that Kardashian recently faced criticism for promoting a SKIMS sale during the height of the Los Angeles wildfires.
The Blast reported that writer Meredith Lynch publicly criticized the entrepreneur for promoting a SKIMS sale while fires ravaged parts of L.A., displacing families and destroying homes. Lynch shared her frustration in an Instagram video, saying:
"LA is literally burning down, and Kimberly Noel is literally posting, telling us to buy SKIMS."
The writer also criticized Kardashian for her messaging about the wildfire crisis, noting her failure to use her massive platform to provide resources or raise awareness. "No, instead, she's like 'buy SKIMS,'" Lynch stated.
'The Kardashian' Star's $70 Million Malibu Estate Threatened By L.A. Wildfires
Amid the chaos, Kardashian has a lot at stake, as her luxurious $70 million oceanside estate was also in danger of being consumed by the flames.
The sprawling 5,000-square-foot estate, previously owned by supermodel Cindy Crawford and her husband Rande Gerber, is a picture of luxury and seclusion.
The property includes four large bedrooms, six bathrooms, panoramic ocean views, and private beach access.
Described as a "one-of-a-kind compound," the home features a tennis court, expansive grounds, and a two-story residence with a main suite offering floor-to-ceiling beach views.
Kim Kardashian And Family Evacuate Hidden Hills Amid Kenneth Fire Threat
Amid widespread backlash for prioritizing business during the wildfires, the 44-year-old and her family fled their Hidden Hills estate as the Kenneth Fire threatened their neighborhood.
The Blast reported that the Kardashian clan—led by matriarch Kris Jenner—evacuated Thursday night after receiving a mandatory evacuation order due to the fire's rapid spread across 1,000 acres.
Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Kendall, Kylie, and Rob joined Kris in leaving their luxurious homes as the fire encroached. Though the evacuation order has since been lifted, it remains unclear if the family has returned to their multimillion-dollar properties.
Ultimately, while Kim Kardashian's actions and words have sparked significant debate, the conversation about helping the victims and supporting first responders remains at the forefront.
