As Los Angeles continues to battle devastating wildfires, Chrissy Teigen, known for her role in Lip Sync Battle, found herself at the center of online debate after sharing updates on her family’s evacuation from their home.

Her posts, featuring moments from the tense situation, evoked both empathy and criticism from followers.

Teigen, along with her husband John Legend, their four children, and their pets, including a bearded dragon, evacuated their Los Angeles residence as flames closed in.

On January 8, the 39-year-old model and cookbook author took to Instagram Stories to document the experience, giving followers a glimpse into her family’s efforts to escape the fires.

One of her posts showed Teigen standing in her walk-in closet, visibly distressed, with the caption:

“This is surreal I’m very scared now. Packing.”

Another photo highlighted the logistical challenges of relocating her family, featuring her dogs and the caption:

“4 dogs, 4 kids, and a bearded dragon walk into a hotel.”

These posts quickly sparked divided reactions online. Some followers empathized with her situation, understanding the emotional toll of leaving one’s home behind. Others, however, criticized her updates as insensitive or out of touch, given the gravity of the wildfire crisis.

One detractor labeled the posts “tone-deaf,” questioning why Teigen appeared to pose for pictures during such a serious moment. Another wrote,

“She’s standing there ‘crying’ and John is taking pictures of her to post on Instagram?”

Additional criticism arose regarding a post that prominently displayed her large diamond ring alongside her pet bearded dragon, leading some to point out the disconnect between the gravity of the evacuation and the glamorous imagery.

Despite the backlash, Teigen also received support from followers who defended her decision to share her experience. One user wrote,

“Mother Nature always wins. Yeah, she’s rich, but she’s crying about the memories of her home. Some people cry for less because it had sentimental value. Stop laughing at her.”

Others highlighted the importance of compassion in such a difficult time, condemning those mocking her situation.

“How can anyone laugh at someone’s home being destroyed? The memories tied to that space are irreplaceable,” one commenter noted.

Teigen’s decision to evacuate with her pets drew praise as well, with several users commending her for ensuring their safety. One follower remarked,

“So horrible for all those in the path of these devastating fires. But thank you for taking your pets with you!”

While the mixed reactions underscore the polarizing nature of public figures sharing personal moments online, Teigen’s posts ultimately served to confirm that she and her family had safely evacuated. For many in similar situations, her updates brought visibility to the emotional challenges and logistical struggles faced by thousands during this crisis.

As Los Angeles continues to grapple with the ongoing wildfires, stories like Teigen’s highlight both the fragility of human lives in the face of natural disasters and the importance of empathy and unity in overcoming such devastating events.