Why Spencer Pratt Reached Out to Taylor Swift Amid LA Wildfires

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors

Spencer Pratt is reaching out to one of the biggest names in music, and while he hasn't heard back yet, he's not giving up hope just yet.

After he and his parents' homes were destroyed in the recent Palisades Fire, Pratt, 41, wasted no time in contacting Taylor Swift, hoping the pop star would respond to his call for help.

The Hills alumhared on The Viall Files podcast on Thursday, January 30, that he sent a message to the pop star, 35, explaining the devastating loss and expressing his hopes that she might have something planned for his wife Heidi Montag –– whose music from her 2010 album Superficial has been gaining attention since the wildfires.

Spencer Pratt is seen in watching the wildfire as it approaches his house on January 7, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. MEGA/GC Images

"This is the email. This one is getting read. If you don't get a response, that's also a response," the former reality star said. Though he hasn't heard back, Pratt's optimism remains high, and he's convinced that Swift has something in the works.

"I think she's just gonna have Heidi be involved in the Rep[utation] announcement somehow. Like, an Easter egg for everyone or something," he speculated, referring to Swift's eventual re-recording of her 2018 album, Reputation. "I still haven't given up... That was a big one, night one. I was like, 'House just burned down, Taylor. I need you!'"

Taylor Swift arrives prior to the AFC Championship Game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. David Eulitt/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Pratt and Montag, 38 –– who've been documenting their recovery from the fire on TikTok –– told Variety on Friday, January 17, that they've seen a boost in fan donations, accumulating around $100,000, and even earning money from TikTok ads, with nearly $25,000 in earnings. "That's phenomenal and life-changing." Pratt said to the outlet. In addition to the live donations, he mentioned how they've earned $4,000 from regular TikTok posts. Montagand Pratt also saw an outpouring of support from fans helping them debut Montag's album on multiple Billboard charts –– including a spot on the Billboard Artist 100 chart for the first time.

Swift, for her part, acknowledged the devastating fires in a post to her Instagram Story on Thursday, January 16. "The fires in California have devastated so many families, and it's been heartbreaking to see the stories unfold," she wrote before sharing a list of organizations she donated to.

Slide Circle to Vote

No Moderately Yes

VOTE