As devastating wildfires continue to decimate sections of Los Angeles, California, extremists and conspiracy theorists are spreading familiar falsehoods, blaming the blaze on common scapegoats such as diversity initiatives, Jews and nefarious government “false flags.”
Fires that began in the Pacific Palisades area on January 7, 2025, are now part of a broader set of blazes across the city. Officials believe the fires were caused primarily by drought conditions, high winds and the cumulative effects of climate change.
Despite these facts, extremists and promoters of hate continue to spread false narratives about the fires to target marginalized groups and sow distrust — a tactic they’ve deployed following disasters and extreme weather phenomena for years.
FALSE NARRATIVE #1: Fires were caused by prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion
One of the most prevalent false narratives suggests the fires are linked to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Many targeted Los Angeles fire chief Kristin Crowley, the first female and openly LGBTQ+ person in her position, suggesting — without evidence — that she favored DEI initiatives over disaster preparedness, or hired unqualified candidates in the name of diversity.
On Telegram, one Proud Boys chapter shared a meme featuring Crowley that read, “0% contained 100% DEI.” Another Proud Boys chapter posted an image of flames near Sunset Boulevard with the caption, “Woke has consequences.”
Similar theories also circulated...
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