The Weeknd has pledged to donate $1 million to assist Los Angeles firefighters and residents affected by the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the area.
The artist (whose real name is Abel Tesfaye) revealed he will contribute the funds to several organizations, including the LAFD Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund, and LA Regional Bank. His charitable actions are being carried out in collaboration with World Food Program USA and his own XO Humanitarian Fund.
Earlier this week, the Weeknd announced the cancellation of a planned special concert at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, which was set for January 25, out of respect for the crisis impacting the city. Additionally, he delayed the release of his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, which is now set to drop on January 31.
“Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, i am canceling the Rose Bowl concert originally scheduled for January 25th,” he shared on social media.
“This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time. In light of this, i have also decided to push the release of my album to January 31st. My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild.”
In the past five years, the Weeknd has donated over $8 million to various charitable causes, including COVID-19 relief, Black Lives Matter, assistance following the 2020 harbor explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, and nearly $5 million in emergency humanitarian aid to Gaza, among other initiatives.
The Weeknd joins a growing number of musicians and entertainment companies contributing to wildfire relief efforts in the city. Just yesterday, Taylor Swift announced donations to multiple organizations, including the California Community Foundation Fund and Direct Relief, while Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation pledged $2.5 million to support various causes.
