In the wake of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass being hit with criticism over the ongoing wildfires, actresses Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley have come forward to defend her, claiming the backlash that she’s receiving stems from a misunderstanding and racial bias.
On Saturday, TMZ caught up with the two ladies, who were known to be vocal about their support for Mayor Bass during her campaign. During the conversation, Brown and Whitley addressed the objections that followed the devastating Palisades Fire, which has already burned over 23,000 acres. Brown praised Bass for being a “woman of steel” as she has endured the challenges of being a Black woman in this country.
“She’s got a spine of steel,” Brown said. “She’s also been a Black woman in America a very long time. So, none of this is new to her.”
Whitley also chimed into the discussion and emphasized the importance of community during tragedies. She argued that blaming Mayor Bass highlights a fundamental misunderstanding within Los Angeles politics.
“You can see it in her face, she stays calm, but think about this, she has the city to take care of,” Whitley explained.
Brown also pointed out that Bass can only assist the city of Los Angeles, not surrounding areas that are also engulfed in flames.
“What is she supposed to do in a city she’s not the mayor of?” Brown questioned.
If you’re unaware, the criticism Mayor Bass faced came from not only everyday citizens but also big-name celebrities. Reality star Khloe Kardashian recently called out Mayor Bass via social media and labeled her as a “joke.” Despite the naysayers, Brown and Whitley have made it clear that they are in support of Mayor Bass and urged the community to rally behind its leaders during this crisis. However, Brown suggested her race may make her a target.
“We have fires every year and I don’t remember in the 30 years that I’ve lived in L.A., I’ve never seen everybody react like this and blame one person for a natural disaster…Now, what’s different this time? Interesting, isn’t it?” Brown declared.
