NBC reporter criticized for interviewing Dennis Quaid during evacuation
Internet users are outraged by the behaviour of NBC Los Angeles reporter Robert Kovacik, who interviewed with Dennis Quaid as the actor was packing up to evacuate from burning Brentwood, California.
Robert Kovacik stopped Dennis Quaid while he was packing his belongings and leaving his fire-threatened home. Fans reacted strongly to this situation, expressing their dissatisfaction on social media. "Not them interviewing Dennis Quaid while he frantically tries to pack his belongings to evacuate [crying emoji]," wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite the tense situation, the 70-year-old actor remained calm and courteous during the conversation with the reporter. Quaid urged residents to turn off the gas before leaving their homes and emphasized how quickly reality can change during a natural disaster. "Our experience of reality can change in a moment," he noted.
Quaid returned home with his dog Peaches to wet the roof and help neighbours if needed. "So we’ve had it lucky. I have so many friends who have lost—my agent, he lost both of his houses, and another good friend over at Palisades, he just moved into a house and was renting the other one," added the actor.
Quaid's attitude gained recognition from internet users. "The interview was a strange mix of comedy and poignancy, but I learned from it that Dennis Quaid is a very nice guy," wrote one fan. Another stated, "I became an instant fan of Quaid. An amazing man, especially how he tenderly took care of his frightened dog in such a stressful moment."
Fires in Los Angeles
A fire in nearby Pacific Palisades broke out on Tuesday and has since consumed over 20,200 hectares. Although the neighbourhood was initially safe, an evacuation order was issued for Brentwood and neighbouring Encino on Saturday morning.
According to the latest reports, the Palisades fire was 11% contained by Saturday morning (ET) and had destroyed over 5,300 buildings.
