Chantel Jeffries Faces Backlash For Bikini Post Amid California Wildfires
By Alisan Duran on January 19, 2025 at 8:00 AM EST
Chantel Jeffries has found herself at the center of controversy after sharing vacation photos while devastating wildfires rage in her home state of California!
The 32-year-old influencer and DJ, born and raised in the state, sparked criticism for posting glamorous shots from her South Africa trip instead of acknowledging the crisis back home.
Chantel Jeffries Accused Of Tone-Deaf Social Media Post
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On Wednesday, Jeffries shared a carousel of photos from her recent trip to South Africa with the caption: “Started my year in South Africa.” The first image showed her posing nude in a bathtub, while another slide featured her in a cheetah-print bikini.
The post quickly drew criticism from followers who felt it was inappropriate given the ongoing wildfires. Many users commented that her focus on personal luxury during a state emergency was insensitive.
“Flexing while the country’s on fire,” one person wrote, while another added, “You’ve posted nothing about LA or the fires, but you seem great. It’s just very sad you haven’t addressed it.”
Click here to see the sizzling photo dump.
Wildfires Devastating Southern California
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The Eaton and Palisades fires have been among the most destructive in Southern California’s history, with at least 25 lives lost and over 12,300 structures destroyed. Thousands of residents have been displaced, and the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster.
While Jeffries has not responded to the criticism, some speculate she may issue a statement in the coming days. However, she has remained silent since the backlash, with her latest post being her first since late December.
Chantel Jeffries' Previous Acts Of Generosity
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Despite the current criticism, Jeffries has shown support for wildfire victims in the past. She previously made a generous donation toward relief efforts after the Pacific Palisades and Altadena fires, where thousands of homes were lost. However, many fans feel her recent actions don’t align with her previous charitable efforts.
Career And Social Media Presence
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Beyond her influencer status, Jeffries has made a name for herself in the music industry, releasing her debut single “Wait” in 2018. She boasts 4.5 million Instagram followers and often shares stylish content, from luxury vacations to fitness routines.
In a past interview with DailyMail.com, Jeffries discussed her wellness philosophy, explaining that she avoids dairy and gluten due to allergies and stays in shape by maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Will Chantel Jeffries Address The Backlash?
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While the internet continues to debate the appropriateness of her recent post, Jeffries has yet to publicly respond to the criticism. Whether she acknowledges the wildfires or continues sharing lifestyle content remains to be seen.
For now, the backlash serves as a reminder of the expectations public figures face during times of crisis, with fans urging more sensitivity from those with large platforms.