The Daily Populous Saturday January 18th, 2025 night edition
Authored by variety.com and submitted by mcfw31

The Weeknd has committed to donating $1 million to Los Angeles firefighters and residents following the devastating wildfires that ravaged the city.

The singer (born Abel Tesfaye) announced that he will donate the sum to various organizations including the LAFD Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund and LA Regional Bank. His humanitarian efforts are being made in partnership with World Food Program USA and his own XO Humanitarian Fund.

Earlier this week, the Weeknd canceled plans for a special concert at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles that was scheduled for Jan. 25 out of respect for the situation that unfolded in the city. He also delayed the release of his forthcoming album “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” now due Jan. 31.

“Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, i am canceling the Rose Bowl concert originally scheduled for January 25th,” he wrote on social media.

“This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time. In light of this, i have also decided to push the release of my album to January 31st. My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild.”

Over the past five years, the Weeknd has donated approximately $10 million to charitable causes, ranging from COVID-19 relief and Black Lives Matter to relief from the 2020 harbor explosion in Beirut, Lebanon to nearly $5 million in emergency humanitarian aid in Gaza, among many other efforts.

The Weeknd joins a growing group of artists and music companies donating to wildfire relief in the city. Yesterday, Taylor Swift announced that she is providing relief to an array of organizations including the California Community Foundation Fund and Direct Relief, while Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation pledged $2.5 million to various causes.

ConspicuousBassoon on January 17th, 2025 at 19:40 UTC »

Abel, I forgive you for The Idol

micro_dohs on January 17th, 2025 at 19:37 UTC »

Annnnnnd he’s Canadian! 🇨🇦

Carsharr on January 17th, 2025 at 19:35 UTC »

What are the weekdays going to do? Whole lotta nothing so far, SMH.