Amid ongoing wildfires ravaging Southern California, Bette Midler platformed a display of resilience from one family who lost everything.
On Friday, the 2x Oscar nominee shared a video of the Halpin family singing “hallelujah” on the burned remains of their Altadena home, which was destroyed this week in the Eaton Fire.
“So glad we can offer some small comfort to those who have lost so much! Thank you, @bettemidler,” wrote displaced resident Karolyn Dudro, sharing the video to her Instagram Story.
Dudro previously grieved the loss of their family home. “It was quite a morning for my parents and family. Grateful that everyone is safe and that I can be there for my parents, sister, and niece during this difficult time,” she wrote on Instagram. “I grew up here and many others have considered this place a home at one time or another. My parents hosted many gatherings, and it was filled with laughter, love, and music. There are so many people in Altadena who lost everything and they are in my thoughts and prayers.”
Midler’s post comes after she shared a statement of support for the victims of the wildfires. “To everyone living through the apocalyptic and unbelievable fires of the last few days, who have lost everything and now have the enormous task of getting back on their feet; I am devastated and heartbroken for all of us.
“I wish only the best for our beloved city, now and always…” added Midler.
Fires have broken out in the Pacific Palisades, Eaton Canyon, Malibu, the Hollywood Hills and other areas around Los Angeles County amid a “life-threatening and destructive” windstorm that picked up Tuesday.
As of Saturday, at least 11 people have died in the Southern California wildfires, which has burned 14,117 acres in the Eaton Canyon area, destroying 972 structures, many of which were homes. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has received 13 missing persons reports.
President Joe Biden, who extended his Los Angeles trip on Wednesday to visit first responders and those affected, declared the fires a major disaster.
“Over 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate communities impacted by the Southern California wildfires,” wrote Biden on X. “At least two people have been killed. And many more are injured — including firefighters. It’s devastating. To the residents of Southern California: We are with you.”
Bette Midler’s most scandalous outbursts and why she quit X
Bette Midler has never been one to hold back, sparking outrage and admiration alike with her fiery opinions and headline-grabbing controversies.
Bette Midler, a beloved icon in Hollywood and on Broadway, has consistently captivated audiences with her talent and unapologetic personality.
However, the actress and singer’s outspoken nature has not been without controversy. Over the years, her bold remarks and actions have often sparked heated debates, particularly on social media.
Among her most contentious moments were accusations of transphobia and racism following divisive comments that many viewed as insensitive.
Midler also made headlines when she suggested she would consider self-harm if Donald Trump secured the U.S. presidency, a remark that was met with widespread criticism and concern.
These controversies ultimately led the star to step away from Elon Musk’s rebranded Twitter platform, now known as “X,” where she had become a polarizing figure.
As the Hocus Pocus star celebrates her 79th birthday, let’s take a look back at the star’s most controversial moments.
Offensive Rant
Bette Midler was been forced to apologize after sparking mass outrage for branding the entire state of West Virginia “poor, illiterate and strung out.”
The diva used the less than divine choice of words for the Mountain State in an X shot at rebel Democratic Senator Joe Manchin for torpedoing President Biden’s multitrillion-dollar spending plans.
“What #JoeManchin, who represents a population smaller than Brooklyn, has done to the rest of America, who wants to move forward, not backward, like his state, is horrible. He sold us out,” the outspoken star blasted.
“He wants us all to be just like his state, West Virginia. Poor, illiterate and strung out,” she wrote.
She was quickly ripped by followers and accused of being an out-of-touch elite.
“This is exactly what they think of good hardworking Americans that live outside of their elite bulls–t NY/LA bubbles,” Donald Trump Jr. said late Monday as he shared Midler’s attack.
“They hate that a Democrat would actually represent his constituents rather than follow blindly the insane and radical plans of lunatic DC Dems!”
Others shared similar outrage, with another online user saying Midler’s tweet “is just a simple reminder of how the ‘elite’ feel about normal Americans.”
After the furious backlash, the Beaches actress tweeted an apology “to the good people of WVA” for her “outburst.”
“I’m just seeing red; #JoeManchin and his whole family are a criminal enterprise,” the star tweeted, asking if he was “really the best WV has to offer its own citizens” and suggesting he put his own interests ahead of his state’s citizens.
Many of her followers said the apology came “too late,” suggesting she had expressed her true feelings and “said the quiet part out loud.”
“Apology not accepted. At all! That is obviously what you think of us, if it weren’t then you would have never thought to say it in the first place,” Jesseca Martin wrote.
“Sooo, when you get really upset your true inner voice comes out? Got it!” someone else asked the star. “This is who you are and what you think.”
Bette Midler’s most scandalous outbursts and why she quit X
Bette Midler has never been one to hold back, sparking outrage and admiration alike with her fiery opinions and headline-grabbing controversies.
Bette Midler has never been one to hold back (Image: Getty)
Bette Midler, a beloved icon in Hollywood and on Broadway, has consistently captivated audiences with her talent and unapologetic personality.
However, the actress and singer’s outspoken nature has not been without controversy. Over the years, her bold remarks and actions have often sparked heated debates, particularly on social media.
Among her most contentious moments were accusations of transphobia and racism following divisive comments that many viewed as insensitive.
Midler also made headlines when she suggested she would consider self-harm if Donald Trump secured the U.S. presidency, a remark that was met with widespread criticism and concern.
These controversies ultimately led the star to step away from Elon Musk’s rebranded Twitter platform, now known as “X,” where she had become a polarizing figure.
As the Hocus Pocus star celebrates her 79th birthday, let’s take a look back at the star’s most controversial moments.
The star was ripped by followers and accused of being an out-of-touch elite (Image: Getty)
Offensive Rant
Bette Midler was been forced to apologize after sparking mass outrage for branding the entire state of West Virginia “poor, illiterate and strung out.”
The diva used the less than divine choice of words for the Mountain State in an X shot at rebel Democratic Senator Joe Manchin for torpedoing President Biden’s multitrillion-dollar spending plans.
“What #JoeManchin, who represents a population smaller than Brooklyn, has done to the rest of America, who wants to move forward, not backward, like his state, is horrible. He sold us out,” the outspoken star blasted.
“He wants us all to be just like his state, West Virginia. Poor, illiterate and strung out,” she wrote.
She was quickly ripped by followers and accused of being an out-of-touch elite.
“This is exactly what they think of good hardworking Americans that live outside of their elite bulls–t NY/LA bubbles,” Donald Trump Jr. said late Monday as he shared Midler’s attack.
“They hate that a Democrat would actually represent his constituents rather than follow blindly the insane and radical plans of lunatic DC Dems!”
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Others shared similar outrage, with another online user saying Midler’s tweet “is just a simple reminder of how the ‘elite’ feel about normal Americans.”
After the furious backlash, the Beaches actress tweeted an apology “to the good people of WVA” for her “outburst.”
“I’m just seeing red; #JoeManchin and his whole family are a criminal enterprise,” the star tweeted, asking if he was “really the best WV has to offer its own citizens” and suggesting he put his own interests ahead of his state’s citizens.
Many of her followers said the apology came “too late,” suggesting she had expressed her true feelings and “said the quiet part out loud.”
“Apology not accepted. At all! That is obviously what you think of us, if it weren’t then you would have never thought to say it in the first place,” Jesseca Martin wrote.
“Sooo, when you get really upset your true inner voice comes out? Got it!” someone else asked the star. “This is who you are and what you think.”
Fans argued that the language in her post was exclusionary and anti-trans (Image: Getty)
Transphobia Allegations
The outspoken redhead found herself at the centre of controversy in 2022 after posting a tweet about women’s rights that some fans perceived as transphobic. The actress initially wrote:
“WOMEN OF THE WORLD! We are being stripped of our rights over our bodies, our lives and even of our name! They don’t call us ‘women’ anymore; they call us ‘birthing people’ or ‘menstruators,’ and even ‘people with vaginas’! Don’t let them erase you! Every human on earth owes you!”
While many fans interpreted the tweet as a critique of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the resulting abortion bans in some states, others argued that the language in her post was exclusionary and anti-trans.
Following the backlash, Midler clarified her intentions in a series of follow-up tweets, insisting that her remarks were not meant to exclude or offend the transgender community. She explained that her original post was inspired by a New York Times opinion piece.
“PEOPLE OF THE WORLD! My tweet about women was a response to this fascinating and well-written piece in the NYT on July 3rd,” Midler wrote. “There was no intention of anything exclusionary or transphobic in what I said; it wasn’t about that.”
She went on to say her post was addressing broader societal issues faced by women throughout history. “It was about the same old s— women — ALL WOMEN — have been putting up with since the cavemen. Even then, men got top billing.”
The star faced outrage for the post (Image: X)
Racism Accusations
More controversry followed the star after she took to Twitter to share what were dubbed “racist” tweets that got her into some trouble with fans.
“Women, are the n-word of the world,” she wrote in a later-deleted tweet. “Raped, beaten, enslaved, married off, worked like dumb animals; denied education and inheritance; enduring the pain and danger of childbirth and life In Silence for Thousands of years. They are the most disrespected creatures on earth.”
She later tried to defend her words by saying her words came from a 1970s John Lennon and Yoko Ono song. “I gather I have offended many by my last tweet,” she wrote in another since-deleted tweet. “‘Women are the…etc’ is a quote from Yoko Ono from 1972, which I never forgot.”
In another moment Bette Midler was again being accused of posting a racist tweet.
The legendary singer and actress is well known for being a critic of President Donald Trump. She tweeted an image showing a group of black people seen in the crowd at a Trump rally.
“Look, there are African American men in this shot!,” Midler tweeted. “How much did he pay them to be “blackground”?” The tweet drew backlash — especially from the right.
“This is one of the most racist, degrading ‘jokes’ I’ve seen on Twitter & that’s saying a lot,” actress Kirstie Alley tweeted. “We get it Bette, you hate Trump & that’s your right but to imply Black men have to be PAID to celebrate their OWN political views is pure and REAL racism. And “BLACKGROUND”?? WTF??!!”
Bette Midler took to X to share what were dubbed “racist” tweets (Image: Getty)
Quit X
Bette Midler finally deleted her X account following Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential election, after previously declaring she would “drink drain cleaner” if he were re-elected. Prior to the results, Midler shared a now-infamous photo featuring a bottle of champagne labelled “If Kamala wins” and a bottle of Drano, a brand of drain cleaner, labelled “If Trump wins.”
The Wind Beneath My Wings singer and Hocus Pocus actress was vocal throughout Election Day, encouraging voters to stay in line as she tracked the results in real time. According to archived Google results, Midler frequently expressed her support for Kamala Harris and her disdain for Donald Trump, making her political stance clear to her followers.
As the results began favouring Trump, Midler shared her frustration, posting a meme of the U.S. map scribbled in red and blue crayon. After Trump’s victory was confirmed, she quoted author H. L. Mencken, writing: “On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
Midler’s decision to leave X drew mixed reactions online. Many celebrated her departure, with one user writing: “Bette Midler is off X… America is Greater on day one!” Another quipped, “Bette Midler deleted her X account. Finally,” while a third added, “Bette Midler has closed down her X account in protest. TAXI!”
Midler, who received a Kennedy Center Honor from President Joe Biden in 2021, deactivated her account shortly after Trump’s win. It remains unclear whether she deleted the account herself or if it was removed by the Elon Musk-owned platform.
5 Things You Never Knew About Bette Midler; Plus, Where Is She Now?
Bette Midler, the stunning star best known for her music and acting skills, turns 79 today (Dec. 1, 2024). Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, she rose to the top from humble beginnings and has since become one of the most famous entertainers ever. She’s been on Broadway, the big screen and delivered timeless hits such as “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “The Rose.”
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Midler is still working hard in Hollywood. She most recently starred in the film The Fabulous Four, about friends who travel to be bridesmaids in a surprise wedding of their friend from college. She is set to appear in two upcoming films: A Childhood History Plan and the third installment of the beloved Hocus Pocus films. She occasionally still performs live and will showcase her musical talents at a few holiday concerts this year.
Now, if you’re a fan of the “Divine Miss M,” here are some interesting facts that you may not even know:
1Hollywood-Inspired Family
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Midler owes her name to a Hollywood icon. Her mother named her after actress Bette Davis, though she famously mispronounced it, leaving the final “e” silent. Keeping with the cinematic theme, her sisters Susan and Judy were named after leading ladies Susan Hayward and Judy Garland.
2From Pineapples to Stardom
Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Before gracing Broadway and Hollywood, Midler worked at a Dole pineapple processing plant in Hawaii. But even back then, her star potential was evident. After graduating as valedictorian from Radford High School in Honolulu in 1963, she briefly majored in drama at the University of Hawaii at Manoa before dropping out to chase her dreams. In high school, she was also voted “Most Dramatic” and “Most Talkative,” giving a glimpse into her future career.
3Her Sister’s Tragic Death
While performing as Tzeitel in Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof during the late ’60s, Midler experienced a heartbreaking loss. Her sister Judy, who had come to New York to see her perform, was struck by a taxi and tragically killed.
4Her Big Break Came at Sea
Before her Broadway debut, Midler appeared as an extra in the 1966 film Hawaii. She played a seasick passenger in a crowd scene and also filmed a speaking part that was later cut. The paycheck, however, allowed her to move to New York City, where her career skyrocketed.
5A Vegas Legend and a Divine Duo
Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images
In the ’70s, Midler performed at the Continental Baths with Barry Manilow accompanying her on the piano. This collaboration birthed her debut album, The Divine Miss M, which Manilow produced.
Tell us, what is your favorite role or song of Midler’s?
Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler Almost Recorded This Classic Broadway Song Together
The trio was set to record a rendition of “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” from ‘Annie Get Your Gun’
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A collaboration between Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler almost happened. Almost.
In a resurfaced interview clip from a January 2023 episode of the Barbra Archives podcast shared on March 18, Streisand‘s A&R representative Jay Landers revealed that Madonna, 66, and Midler, 79, were considered for features on Streisand’s 1993 album Back to Broadway.
While putting together the album’s tracklist, someone suggested a rendition of “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” from Annie Get Your Gun. David Foster did a demo for the song and Landers said they asked, “Well, who could we do this with?” “And we chose Madonna and Bette [Midler]. So it was going to be the three of them.”
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The arrangement by Foster, 75, would highlight each singer’s different styles.
Madonna would sing “Anything you can sing, I can sing sweeter” in a disco beat reminiscent to her style. Midler, meanwhile, would chime in with a brief homage to “Wind Beneath My Wings.”
“So it touched upon their sounds,” Landers said of the concept, calling it “really clever.”
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The vision for the song was that it would take place in a public ladies’ room. Madonna and Midler were meant to argue and complain about one another with Streisand, 82, emerging from a stall announcing she was there and heard the whole thing.
Everyone said yes to the concept for the song and just before the trio united to sing, the “Hung Up” singer backed out last minute for reasons unknown.
“That’s one of those, fish [that] got away stories,” Landers said, adding that it’s unclear whether Madonna passed on it, or someone passed on the recording on her behalf. “But it would have been fun.”
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Though Madonna and Midler weren’t part of the Broadway compilation album, Johnny Mathis joined Streisand for “I Have a Love/One Hand, One Heart” from West Side Story.
Streisand’s Hello, Dolly! costar Michael Crawford also appeared on the album for Phantom of the Opera‘s “Music of the Night.” Crawford, 83, originated the role as the Phantom onstage.
Streisand made her Broadway debut in 1962 when she was 19 for the musical I Can Get It for You Wholesale as Miss Marmelstein.
She received a Tony Award nomination for best featured actress in a musical and would win a special Tony Award in 1970 celebrating her contributions to Broadway.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(975x333:977x335)/ariana-grande-divorce-allegations-071823-tout-230550e499194da2b254c21d35d94f2f.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "“Can We Just Cancel Her?“: Ariana Grande Loses 350k Followers Amid New Controversial Single")
