Henry Winkler Slammed for Fueling Viral L.A. Fire Theory

Actor Henry Winkler is the latest celebrity to spread a viral internet theory that the fires affecting Los Angeles are the result of an “arsonist.”

In the hours after Winkler posted his wildfire theory, at least one person was taken into custody for arson in connection with the Kenneth Fire, which broke out earlier in the day in the West Hollywood Hills, according to NewsNation reporter Brian Entin. Police have also reportedly shut down Victory Trailhead hiking area, which has been declared a crime scene.

Still, Winkler and fellow celebrities’ fear-inducing posts have drawn mixed reactions, with many experts saying that most of the fires currently burning were most likely caused by dry conditions and strong winds.

L.A. fire department officials said earlier in the day that they had found no credible evidence of arson, TMZ reported Thursday afternoon. An investigation into the fires’ causes is ongoing.

The entire brouhaha began on Thursday when the former Happy Days star wrote on X: “THERE IS an ARSONIST here in LA. May you be beaten you unrecognizable !!! The pain you have caused !!!”

Beauty and the Beast star Josh Gad had also suggested “arson” was behind the fires in a Wednesday post on Threads, writing, “I fear that this Hollywood hills fire is arson.”

His claim was seemingly co-signed by Community and Inside Out 2 star Yvette Nicole Brown who wrote, “Same, Josh,” and added earlier in her own post on Threads: “It’s time to start considering that some of these fires may be being SET at this point. This sunset fire is looking very suspicious. Arson.”

Some locals and social media commentators seemed to feed into at least some of the “arsonist” claims, with many writing “totally agree” under Brown and Gad’s posts.

Journalist Jemele Hill added under Brown’s post on Threads, “They are definitely being set in other parts of L.A. There have been two fires over by where I live (Inglewood area) that aren’t near any of these hot zones. Native Californians have told me that’s what unfortunately happens when one fire gets going. Evil people start setting others just to see calamity.”

Others have slammed the theories as “not helping.”

“This is rather irresponsible to post. You are a person of influence and speculating without evidence is horrible and serves absolutely no purpose,” wrote one Threads commentator under Gad’s post. They added, “Considering the winds and the MANY fires around, it very well could be embers. Consider deleting.”

Winkler was also skewered by commentators for “conspiracy theories incoming.”

“My opinion of you just sank. What good does physically harming them do? it would be upsetting to do and upsetting to watch,” wrote one commentator of Winkler on X. “But locking them up would do some good.”

MAGA-leaning commentators used Winkler’s claim as an opportunity to slam climate change claims and the state’s Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“His name is Gavin Newsom.” wrote one commentator about Winkler’s “arsonist” claim. “His policies are the reason you’re in the mess you are right now.”

Another commentator asserted that Newsom and Rep. Nancy Pelosi are responsible for the fires, writing under Winkler’s post: “Yeah, here they are a—hole.”