The star-studded benefit concert that raised more than $100 million dollars for wildfire victims in California is itself under fire for how the money was spent.

“I have not seen any benefit from the FireAid money, and I am very involved here and neither have my neighbors,” said David Howard, who lost two homes in Pacific Palisades.

FireAid billed itself as “a benefit concert for wildfire victims.” Aside from music by the likes of Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry and Olivia Rodrigo, the five-hour show featured multiple stories from victims of the Altadena and Palisades fire who’d lost their homes.

At least $6.5 million in donor money also went to the County of Los Angeles.

All told, FireAid says it has granted $75 million so far to 188 non-profits. The remaining $25 million should go out in August and will focus on “long-term wildfire mitigation, environmental resilience, and sustainable rebuilding,” according to the group.

The LA Times this week published an extensive piece on FireAid funding, contacting 100 non-profits receiving aid. It said the money provided a lifeline to many groups, allowing them to provide food, shelter, mental health services and animal care.

Lady Gaga performs onstage during the FIREAID Benefit Concert for California Fire Relief at Intuit Dome on January 30, 2025, in Inglewood, California.  (Amy Sussman/Getty Images for FIREAID)

So who exactly who is responsible for how the money is spent? That’s not entirely clear. The Annenberg Foundation helped organize the concert but claims only an advisory role in how the money is spent.

An Annenberg spokesperson says spending decisions are made by the FireAid Advisory Committee made up of respected philanthropists. They make recommendations to the FireAid Board of Trustees. It includes several executives from the LA Clipper basketball team, a businessman and wife of a prominent media executive.

While there is no evidence of fraud, California Congressman Kevin Kiley wants U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate “where these donations went and who benefited.” 

We asked fire victim David Howard if the thought that was necessary.

“100%,” he said. “No question. We need to get to the bottom of where the money is going. A lot of money is going to non-profits in a lot of different areas and it’s not going to where it needs to.”