Pharrell Williams was hit with a backlash after asking his fans to donate to hospitals amid the coronavirus pandemic this week.
He told his more than 12 million followers, “Hospitals are running low on masks, gowns, and other critical items. We need to replenish their supplies. Take action, make a donation, and ask others to join the fight. We’re in this together. Let’s protect the responders on the frontlines.”
But fans clapped back with responses pointing out his wealth — said to be as high as $150 million — amid increasing unemployment.
“Imagine asking the people who most likely are being laid off right now, to donate while you could just get your fellow celebs to raise money,” said one Twitter user.
Another wrote, “So lemme get this straight. You are asking the millions of Americans who may not have a job right now to donate?! You’re asking people who have an avg HOUSEHOLD income of less than $55,000 to donate?”
Noting that his enormous Beverly Hills house is up for sale for $17 million, another wrote, “You literally live in a community college spending Kelis Milkshake royalty checks on Uber eats and you’re asking US TO DONATE!?!?”