‘Homeless’ SA actress increases GoFundMe target to R2m amid backlash.

A GoFundMe campaign to help ‘homeless’ SA actress Christel Smith following the LA fires has increased its target to nearly R2 million.

South African actress Christel Smith’s GoFundMe target has increased to $100 000 – almost R2 million – after her Pacific Palisades home was burned down in the Los Angeles (LA) fires last week.

The former Egoli star has been living in the US for the last three decades where she has pursued her career. Her family remains in SA.

SA ACTRESS GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN TARGET INCREASES.

In a Facebook post over the weekend, Christel Smith’s brother Christo revealed that he had started a GoFundMe campaign to help her as she was now “homeless” amid the LA fires.

Christel moved to California, LA, more than thirty years ago. She married US financier Eddie Durkin, and they have a son named Edward.

According to the campaign – named Help Christel & Edward after LA fires destroyed their home – the house “burned to ashes.” Among her possessions were mementos from South Africa, including from the set of Egoli

The campaign also revealed that, like many other Pacific Palisades residents, Christel’s home was uninsured after insurers cancelled coverage in the area.

At the time, the GoFundMe target was set to set to raise $14 000 – nearly R300 000. However, the goal has since been set to $100 000 – nearly R2 million. So far, it has raised $2 000 (R38 000).
Christel Smith’s crowdfunding campaign target has increased. Image via GoFundMe

BACKLASH FROM SOUTH AFRICANS.

While friends and family of Christel Smith are no doubt sympathetic to her tragic ordeal, many South Africans have condemned the GoFundMe campaign set up to assist her.

South African actress Christel Smith has been left homeless after her house burned down in the LA fires. Images via GoFundMe.

Following The South African’s original article, many readers expressed their strong opinions.

Here’s what a few had to say on Facebook…

Andre John Sampson: “Facing the same fate as many impoverished South Africans. I’m sure she has savings she can tap into as well as supportive family and friends.”

Ruwayne Hendricks: “Her dollars have more value in SA. She can come to her country of birth and live in a RDP house… And feel how some South Africans live.”

Mthokozisi Hlongz: “I don’t remember US citizens doing GoFundMe for KZN flood victims.”

Diana Burns: “Crazy if she expects people to contribute to her level of lifestyle when half of our country is homeless.”

Missy Hussl: “We don’t even have houses ourselves here my love. Say a little prayer.”