Henry Winkler, known for his iconic role as the ultra-cool Fonzie in Happy Days, found himself in the middle of a social media storm after making a fiery accusation about the recent Los Angeles wildfires. In a heated post on X (formerly Twitter), Winkler suggested that the devastating blazes ravaging the city were the work of an arsonist, sparking a wave of reactions online.
“THERE IS an ARSONIST here in LA,” wrote the 79-year-old actor, who resides in Brentwood, one of LA’s affluent neighborhoods. “May you be beaten you unrecognizable!!! The pain you have caused!!!” His post quickly gained traction, amassing over 7.1 million views and drawing a mix of support and criticism.
Fans flooded the comments with their thoughts, echoing Winkler’s frustration. “I was wondering about this… because no one has said how it was caused,” one user mused. Another speculated, “It’s probably multiple arsonists.” Others questioned whether the fires might be part of a coordinated effort, with one commenter asking, “Is this a single arsonist or an organized network?”
While many rallied behind Winkler’s bold statement, some critics were quick to push back. “Henry, you used to be cool. Now you’re just being ridiculous,” one person tweeted. Another dismissed the post as fuel for conspiracy theories, while others pointed out his political leanings, adding a layer of controversy to the conversation.
THERE IS an ARSONIST here in LA . May you be beaten you unrecognizable !!! The pain you have caused !!!
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) January 9, 2025
Fire Officials Respond
As Winkler’s post continued to ignite debate, authorities stepped in to address the claims. In a statement to TMZ, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) clarified that there is no definitive evidence yet to suggest arson. “There’s no way to know at this moment exactly where and how the series of fires started, but an investigation is underway,” the statement read.
Standard procedure dictates that any large-scale fire undergo an arson investigation, and the LAFD confirmed their specialized team is actively examining the situation. However, California Fire Chief David Acuna emphasized to the BBC that, so far, there isn’t “any conclusive evidence” to support the theory of intentional ignition.
Witness Accounts Add Fuel to the Fire
Despite the lack of official findings, Winkler’s post has kept the conversation alive, with more voices adding to the speculation. Andrew Huberman, a Stanford University neurobiology professor, shared a video clip in the comments of Winkler’s post, claiming to have witnessed individuals deliberately starting fires in urban areas.
“People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning urban areas of LA. Saw this happen firsthand at 302 Pico in Santa Monica,” Huberman wrote, urging others to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity. His alarming statement attracted significant attention, with even Elon Musk responding, “WOW.”
A City on Edge
As investigations continue, the cause of the devastating wildfires—including the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have already claimed 24 lives—remains unconfirmed. While officials work to determine the truth, the public remains divided, caught between speculation and skepticism.
What’s your take on Winkler’s bold suggestion that these fires were deliberately set? Do you think he’s onto something, or is this just fueling unnecessary panic? Share your thoughts, and don’t forget to pass this story along to spark a discussion with friends and family.