Spencer Pratt, the reality TV star best known for his role in The Hills, is facing a devastating personal loss after his home was destroyed in the catastrophic wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles. The wildfires, which erupted in the Pacific Palisades area on January 7, have forced countless families to evacuate, leaving many, including Pratt and his wife, Heidi Montag, with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Pratt, 41, has turned to social media to share his story and seek support, asking his TikTok followers to help him raise funds to rebuild his life. In a heartfelt series of videos, he opened up about the challenges his family is facing and how fans can lend a hand.
Pratt’s Creative Use of TikTok for Support
In a TikTok video shared on Friday, January 10, Pratt explained that his followers could help him earn money by liking a specific video on his account. The video, set to the song “What It Feels Like” by Aly & AJ, is part of a TikTok program that rewards creators based on the popularity of their content featuring certain songs.
“If it becomes one of the top 10 most liked TikToks with that song, I’ll get up to $1,100,” Pratt explained. “More likely, it’ll be $200, but it can go up to $1,100.” He urged his followers to like the video, emphasizing how much even a small amount could help his family during this difficult time.
Pratt also revealed a personal connection to Aly & AJ, mentioning that the musical duo wear his Pratt Daddy Crystals, a brand of healing crystals he has been promoting for years. “It’s kind of an authentic promo since they actually wear my crystals,” he said. “So, if you’re bored, please go like that video. It’s a great song, and it helps us out a lot.”
Asking for Support Amid Criticism
While many fans offered words of encouragement and support, Pratt also faced backlash from critics who accused him of exploiting his tragedy for financial gain. He addressed these criticisms directly in another TikTok video, defending his decision to use social media as a platform to share his story and seek help.
“Some demonic monster wrote on my Instagram, ‘Of course Spencer’s gonna milk his burned-down house for every dollar it’s worth,’” he said. “Duh. That’s right. Let me figure out every dollar I can get.”
Pratt expressed frustration with the negativity, calling out those who criticized his efforts. “How do you people not have brains? Are you just the stupidest living creatures?” he asked. “Of course, I’m trying to get money to pay for my life with my family because our house and all of our possessions burned down.”
He went on to explain that social media has been his primary source of income for years and that sharing his journey is not only a way to connect with fans but also a practical necessity. “I’d rather have my house and no social media, let me tell you that much,” he said. “But since this is my reality now, I’m going to keep ‘milking’ our misery on social media if it helps us survive.”
In addition to his TikTok efforts, Pratt encouraged fans to support his wife Heidi Montag’s music career. Montag, 38, released her debut album, Superficial, in 2010, and Pratt urged followers to stream her songs on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
His efforts paid off. After his plea, Montag’s album climbed the iTunes Store charts, reaching number 15. Pratt celebrated the milestone on Instagram, thanking fans for their support.
“God. Bless. All of you. Number 15 in the iTunes Store. This is a freakin’ miracle,” he said in a video. “If we get this to number one, it’s official—Heidi is a pop superstar legend. She’s going in the history books.”
Despite the joy of seeing Montag’s music gain renewed attention, Pratt acknowledged the bittersweet nature of their situation. “This is maybe the best thing I could have ever dreamed about… besides still having my house and all of my possessions,” he said.
The Wildfires That Changed Everything
The Pacific Palisades wildfires have wreaked havoc on the region, with high winds and dry conditions fueling the flames. By January 7, the fires had consumed thousands of acres and forced widespread evacuations, including the Pratts.
Pratt, Montag, and their three children—Gunner (6) and Ryker (13 months) — managed to evacuate safely, but their home was completely destroyed.
In a TikTok video shared by Montag on January 9, the couple showed the few items that survived the fire, all contained in a single plastic bag. Among the items were a hummingbird feeder, a rubber snake, a couple of crystals, and Ryker’s small shovel from the backyard.
The Challenges of Evacuation
Montag described the chaos of preparing to evacuate, calling it one of the most overwhelming experiences of her life. “The craziest thing about packing for a fire is that your brain just freaks out,” she said in a TikTok video. “It’s so overwhelming packing up a house. I only have two pairs of jeans and two shirts. I got so much more clothes for the kids, but I keep thinking, ‘Why didn’t I grab more?’”
Despite her regrets, Montag expressed gratitude for what they were able to save and, more importantly, for the safety of her family. “The main thing is that we’re safe,” she said.
Why Spencer Pratt Says ‘No’ to Watching The Hills
Interestingly, Pratt also discouraged fans from trying to support him by watching reruns of The Hills, the MTV reality show that made him and Montag household names in the 2000s.
“Pretty much I’d rather you watch anything in the world but The Hills,” he said in a TikTok video. He clarified that he and Montag do not receive residual payments from the show. “Do not give that show a single dollar, or that narrator [Lauren Conrad] a single brain cell listening to her voice.”
Instead, he suggested that fans find other ways to support their family, including liking his TikTok videos and streaming Montag’s music.
Despite their devastating loss, Pratt and Montag remain optimistic about the future. Pratt thanked fans for their continued support and promised to remember those who helped him during this challenging time.
“When we’re rich and famous again, I won’t forget you,” he said. “I’ll be the most grateful rich celebrity you’ve ever supported in your life. Love you all, thank you so much.”
Pratt and Montag’s journey highlights the resilience required to navigate personal tragedy, as well as the power of community and social media in times of need. While their road to recovery is just beginning, their determination and gratitude shine through in every post.
For those who want to support families affected by the wildfires, consider donating to reputable organizations providing relief, such as the Red Cross or local disaster relief funds. Every contribution helps rebuild lives and communities devastated by these natural disasters.
