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Bozoma Saint John, the star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, is receiving an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities after her Malibu home was destroyed by devastating wildfires. On January 9, Bozoma Saint John took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news that she, along with thousands of others in California, had lost her home to the flames.
“This is the house I wanted,” Bozoma Saint John wrote, reflecting on the years of hard work and dedication that went into making the house a reality. “The house I prayed for. The house I worked in blood, sweat and tears for, the house that I put a key pad instead of a key hole in the front door because I wanted all my family and friends to have a code and use the house whenever they wanted.”
The loss is especially poignant for Saint John, who had battled against racial prejudice in her neighborhood. She revealed the emotional significance of the home: “This is the house where I found peace after battling with racist neighbors and a community that made me have to buy it in a trust within a trust so no one would know that widowed, single Black woman with a teenager was buying on the exclusively held beach.” She continued, “This was my EFF YOU I’m here house. The house that I built a movie room dedicated to my sister so she could see her films in her own sanctuary.”
Saint John’s Malibu home was not just a personal sanctuary but also a place where she felt she could fully relax and enjoy time with her daughter Lael. “This is the house where I finally felt like I could choose to spend time… when I wanted to and how I wanted to.”
Tragically, that home is now gone. She shared the emotional news with her followers, saying simply, “It is gone.”
The wildfires, which have ravaged Malibu and Santa Monica, have destroyed over 5,300 structures as of January 9, according to the Los Angeles Times. Saint John expressed the devastation she felt in a follow-up Instagram story, adding, “I’ve had devastating loss and grief in my life it never gets easier or more understandable I still don’t know what to do say ask for think but prayer has always been a comfort so please pray for Lael and I. God bless you.”
As expected, Bozoma Saint John’s Bravo family quickly rallied around her. Fellow RHOBH star Garcelle Beauvais expressed her sympathy, writing, “So sorry Boz,” while Sutton Stracke commented, “I am so sorry. Beyond devastating.” Jennifer Tilly, another friend from the RHOBH circle, added, “So sorry you lost your beautiful home Boz. ??”
Kathy Hilton shared her support as well, saying, “I am so sorry this is so scary I am glad you are safe.” Bravo’s Andy Cohen also offered his condolences, writing, “I am so sorry, this is unimaginable.”
Stars from other Real Housewives franchises have also sent their love. RHONY star Jessel Taank wrote, “Heartbroken for you and Lael ? sending you prayers to gain strength and rebuild what has been lost.” Chanel Ayan, from Real Housewives of Dubai, shared, “So sorry love sending you prayers ??,” and RHOC star Tamra Judge expressed her sadness with, “I’m so sorry ? sending ?.”
Saint John had paid $5.2 million for the home, which was located just a stone’s throw from Malibu Pier and the iconic Malibu Farm Restaurant, according to Traded. Though the house is gone, the outpouring of support from her friends, family, and fans is a reminder of the strong community surrounding her during this difficult time.
