A news reporter has faced criticism from viewers after they noticed an odd detail during a report on the deadly Los Angeles wildfires.
The wildfires currently ravaging Los Angeles have caused widespread destruction, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
Over 137,000 residents have evacuated their homes, including those living in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, and tragically, at least five people have lost their lives – making this one of the most destructive wildfires in the region’s recent memory.
The impact of the fires extends far beyond the immediate danger zones, with nearly 300,000 customers experiencing power outages due to the dry conditions and powerful winds, per NBC News.
Officials have attributed the fires’ intensity to strong winds and prolonged drought, exacerbated by climate change.
“Climate change, including increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere, has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration added, per BBC.
ABC reporter David Muir was surveying the deadly wildfires for a live report from a street in the Palisades when viewers saw something bizarre.
“As you can see here behind me, it’s been completely wiped away,” the journalist said, as he turned around to point to charred rubble behind him.
It was at that moment that viewers noticed a wooden clamp – which looks like traditional clothes pegs – on the back of the journalist’s ABC News-branded jacket.
Watch the video below:
Jack Osbourne – son of rockstar Ozzy Osbourne – took to X (formerly Twitter) to share Muir’s coverage with the caption: “Nice Jacket Bro. Glad you look nice and svelte with those clothesline pegs, while our city burns to the ground.”
A few people slammed the 51-year-old, with some suggesting he was being a “tool” for making sure his jacket fit properly.
“Another talking head proving that vanity is far more important than the news,” one said, while another remarked: “Shows you what he is all about and his priorities!”
Meanwhile, others were confused as to why people were upset by the presenter’s peg, stating that it made sense for such a report.
“It’s to keep it from flapping around in the wind,” a user commented. “It’s smart. Keeps it from flapping. I don’t like him much but that’s a good hack,” a second chimed in.
The California wildfires have escalated into a major crisis, with at least six fires currently raging across the state.
The governor of California, Gavin Christopher Newsom, has obtained a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden to support the ongoing response efforts related to the crisis in Los Angeles.
“The situation in Los Angeles is highly dangerous and rapidly evolving. President Biden’s swift action is a huge lift for California — as we throw everything we can into protecting residents with substantial state, local, and federal resources,” he said, per a press release.
“To all those in Southern California, please continue to listen to local authorities and don’t wait, evacuate if asked,” Newsom added.
