Following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, actress and former talk show host Ricki Lake has issued a warning to her fans about fraudulent donation requests circulating online. In a heartfelt Instagram video, Lake addressed the "surreal" situation, clarifying that she is not personally soliciting any funds. She explained that a post falsely claiming to be her had appeared, asking for money, but thankfully seemed to have been removed.

While Lake intends to support various organizations and potentially establish a fund-matching initiative, she emphasized that she is not seeking donations for herself. "If you see a GoFundMe with my name attached asking for money, that is not me," she stated firmly.

Lake's Malibu home, which she described as her "dream home," was tragically lost in the Palisades Fire last week. She shared her grief and disbelief with fans on Instagram, posting photos of the house before the fire and expressing her devastation. A friend had bravely attempted to save the property, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

In her recent video message, Lake expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support she's received, admitting she's been deeply moved. Despite being a seasoned communicator, she confessed to being at a loss for words to describe the shared experience of the Los Angeles community. Overcome with emotion, she acknowledged her own struggles while also recognizing her fortunate position compared to others. The 56-year-old also shared her heartbreak for the community and the animals affected by the fires.

Having experienced a previous house fire in 2010, Lake noted the profound difference this time, emphasizing the widespread impact on the entire community. She described feeling a range of emotions, from the immediacy of the event to the sensation that it occurred years ago. Despite the lack of sleep and visible signs of stress, Lake concluded her message with a powerful declaration of hope and resilience, emphasizing the importance of community and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.