Tyler Perry has slammed the “pure greed” of insurance companies for cancelling “millions” of policies prior to the California wildfires.
The Hollywood moviemaker has taken aim at businesses which refused to insure thousands of properties across the state and dropped policies before the disaster erupted last week leaving many residents to risk their lives by fighting to save their homes from the flames. Insurance experts estimate that over 2.4 million California homeowners have been affected by policy cancellations in recent years.
“Watching a daughter use a garden hose to try and protect her 90-year-old parents’ home because their insurance was canceled was just gut-wrenching to me,” Perry wrote in a post on Instagram. The incident he described has become emblematic of the larger crisis facing California residents.
“Does anyone else find it appalling that insurance companies can take billions of dollars out of communities for years and then, all of a sudden, be allowed to cancel millions of policies for the very people they became rich on?” His post has garnered over 500,000 likes and sparked widespread discussion about insurance industry practices.
He went on to add: “People who have paid premiums all of their lives are left with nothing because of pure greed. As I am in the process of trying to figure out what steps to take to do all I can to help as many as I can, I am keeping everyone in my prayers.” The filmmaker has a history of philanthropic efforts, having donated millions to various causes in recent years.
The fires broke out last Tuesday (07.01.25) and at least 24 people have been confirmed dead. Thousands more have lost their homes – including celebrities such as Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal – and more than 100,000 people have been left displaced. The damage is estimated to exceed $5 billion, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in California’s history.
Beyonce’s BeyGOOD Foundation is donating $2.5 million help victims while Tyler’s pals Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and her husband Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex have been among the famous faces trying to help out. The BeyGOOD Foundation has previously assisted in various natural disaster relief efforts across the country.
The royals joined efforts to distribute food and supplies to victims of the wildfires in Pasadena, where they also thanked first responders and met with affected families. Local relief organizations report that over 50,000 meals have been distributed to displaced residents so far.
The couple live in Montecito – around 90 miles north of the affected area – and they are believed to have offered their $14 million mansion as a refuge to friends fleeing the fires, which have left more than 100,000 people displaced. Their estate is one of several celebrity homes that have become makeshift shelters during the crisis.
The California Department of Insurance reports that major insurers have withdrawn from high-risk areas at an unprecedented rate, leaving many homeowners scrambling for coverage through the state’s FAIR Plan, which typically offers more expensive and limited protection. Industry analysts suggest this trend could continue as climate change increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters.
Emergency response teams continue to battle the blazes across multiple counties, with containment efforts hampered by strong winds and dry conditions. The National Weather Service has warned that these dangerous conditions could persist for several more days, potentially expanding the affected areas.
Local governments are now considering legislation to prevent insurance companies from abruptly canceling policies in high-risk areas, with some proposing mandatory coverage periods and stricter regulations on policy cancellations. These measures aim to protect homeowners while balancing the financial risks faced by insurance providers.
Community organizations and relief agencies have established numerous evacuation centers throughout the region, providing temporary shelter, medical care, and essential supplies to displaced residents. The Red Cross reports that their facilities are operating at maximum capacity, highlighting the scale of this ongoing crisis.
