Wildfires in the city of Los Angeles. Picture: X/@ExclusiveEntry
The city of Los Angeles finds itself battling raging wildfires that have already claimed 24 lives and destroyed 12,000 properties in just one week.
Among the victims and evacuees are many of Hollywood’s elite, as LA remains the epicentre for the rich and famous.
Yet, beyond the flames, another fire is sparking online — a blaze of conspiracy theories that tie the destruction to everything from celebrity cover-ups to political agendas.
In the world of internet speculation, where facts and fiction blend, theories about the wildfires’ origins have taken a dramatic turn. Among the claims is the idea that the fires are a deliberate act to protect high-profile individuals, notably Sean “P Diddy” Combs.
Facing a slew of sexual abuse allegations, including accusations of rape and child abuse from his infamous parties, some believe the fires could be a smokescreen to destroy evidence or even a network of secret tunnels connecting to the Playboy Mansion.
Adding fuel to these rumours, Diddy’s home in Holmby Hills remained untouched by the flames, despite its proximity to the wildfire’s path.
This has led some conspiracy theorists to suggest a calculated move to protect him and his assets. However, there’s no evidence to support these claims, making them speculative at best.
Another theory making rounds points fingers at a supposed plot to advance California’s high-speed rail project.
Internet sleuths claim the fires might have been started to push forward the 15-minute city plans for LA or to clear the path for rail development. These theories have found traction among those suspicious of large-scale infrastructure projects and the motives of billionaires behind them.
Comedian Eddie Griffin also stirred the pot with his claims that the wildfires serve as a distraction from a Hollywood paedophile conspiracy.
In a provocative YouTube statement, Griffin suggested that the fires are being used to cover up a much darker narrative, accusing high-profile figures of destroying evidence.
While these comments may have sparked outrage and disbelief, they reflect the distrust and suspicion many hold toward the Hollywood elite.
Griffin’s accusations also touched on water control, blaming The Wonderful Company for allegedly owning 60% of Los Angeles’ water and hinting at their involvement in the supposed cover-up.
In the video, uploaded on January 14, he said: “LA is on fire and a lot of people are saying … it’s to cover up the paedophile trail and all of a sudden the water ain’t working…”
He added: “Let’s pray for the m***********s out there, the houses burning down and sh*t unless they paedophiles. If they are p*dophiles, f*** them.
“Let that get burned ‘cause I know what you’re doing. You’re burning the evidence up! Sons of b******, but we still going to catch it.”