Malibu, CA — Celebrity realtor Josh Flagg is speaking out after sparking outrage online with what many called a “tone-deaf” social media post in the wake of the deadly 2025 Palisades wildfires — insisting it was a mistake he never approved.
The Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star came under fire Tuesday after his Instagram account shared a photo of two beachfront homes reduced to rubble with the caption:
“JUST SOLD!” — noting one had sold for $5 million and the other for $4.65 million.
Within hours, the comment section exploded.
Fans and critics alike accused Flagg of insensitivity toward victims, with some calling the post “in very poor taste,” “triggering,” and “heartbreaking for a lot of people.”
Flagg’s Response: ‘The Photo Should Never Have Gone Up’
Speaking exclusively to TMZ, Flagg set the record straight — saying the image wasn’t his idea and was published without his knowledge.
“The photo used in my recent post was a mistake,” Flagg said. “My marketing team posted it without my review or approval. I was on a transatlantic flight when it went up. I’m sorry if it offended anyone.”
The 39-year-old real estate mogul made it clear he wasn’t going to “sit back while people question my character” — stressing that the backlash ignores his long history of helping Malibu recover from devastating disasters.
His Track Record in Malibu’s Recovery
Flagg — who has represented numerous Malibu beachfront sellers, including some impacted by the fires — says his work has extended far beyond high-profile sales.
Over the years, he’s been:
- Placing displaced families into temporary housing
- Speaking out on national platforms like CNN and FOX to advocate for residents
- Pushing back on “idiotic policies” that slowed rebuilding
- Fighting against price gouging and unfair real estate practices
“Those sales aren’t just transactions,” Flagg explained. “They’re helping Malibu residents rebuild and restore neighborhoods. Showing progress is a positive sign because it means a faster recovery and a brighter future for the community.”
Opening His Own Doors
Flagg revealed that within hours of the Palisades fires igniting, he opened his own home to displaced friends and even casual acquaintances — including close friend Melissa Rivers.
“I didn’t wait for an invitation to help,” he said. “If someone needed a roof over their head, they got one.”
‘Full Stop. Moving On.’
While he understands the emotions surrounding the tragedy, Flagg is adamant the viral criticism misrepresents his intentions.
“When you’re a public figure, you’re celebrated for the good and criticized for the bad. But calling me insensitive is not accurate. Full stop. Moving on.”
The 2025 Palisades wildfires have already claimed dozens of lives, destroyed hundreds of homes, and left thousands displaced — making Flagg’s now-deleted post a lightning rod in a community already reeling from loss.
Still, Flagg hopes his real message — one of rebuilding and resilience — will cut through the noise.
What do you think? Was the backlash fair or an overreaction?
