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Credit: Instagram

Josh Flagg is speaking out in his defense after a photo shared on Instagram led to claims of being “tone deaf.”

Following the sharing of the post, which announced the sale of two beachfront homes that had burnt down in Malibu’s deadly wildfires earlier this year, one of which sold for $5 million and another that went for $4.65 million, the 39-year-old Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles cast member reacted to backlash.

“Wow talk about tone deaf,” Bravo Snark Side captioned a screenshot of the since-deleted post on Instagram.

Commenters agreed, with many suggesting that Josh’s declaration was made “in very poor taste” and some labeling the image “horrific.”

“Good for you, but this seems very unnecessary. Triggering and heartbreaking for a lot of people,” one person noted.

“Selling burnt homes … is that the new thing?” wondered another.

A third said that they didn’t “need to see the ravaged homes that are being resold to corporations and the ultra wealthy to price out average people.”

Others said the image shared was “really tacky” and “didn’t need to be posted.”

“We need the unheart icon,” someone else agreed.

Meanwhile, in response, Josh revealed that it wasn’t him who posted the photo of the burnt-down homes.

“I’m not going to sit back while people question my character,” he told TMZ on August 13. “The photo used in my recent post was a mistake. My marketing team posted it without my review or approval … I was on a transatlantic flight when it went up. I’m sorry if it offended anyone.”

According to Josh, he’s represented several beachfront sellers whose homes were damaged by the fires and doesn’t believe that the social media snafu should take away from his efforts to aid in Malibu’s recovery.

“Anybody who knows me knows I worked hard to help — placing families who lost homes, speaking out weekly on CNN and FOX, and pushing back on idiotic policies that slowed rebuilding,” he said. “Those sales aren’t just transactions — they’re helping Malibu residents rebuild and restore neighborhoods. Showing progress is a positive sign because it means a faster recovery and a brighter future for the community.”

In addition to fighting back against price gouging and remaining outspoken about what’s needed for recovery, Josh opened his own home to displaced residents, including Melissa Rivers, 57.

“When you’re a public figure, you’re celebrated for the good and criticized for the bad. But calling me insensitive is not accurate,” he concluded.

Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles has been on pause since the conclusion of its 15th season in September 2024.