Palisades Fire: Man’s Social Media Post Sparks Controversy
The peaceful morning meditation of five men near Skull Rock in the Palisades quickly turned into a harrowing experience that left them fleeing for their lives as they spotted the first signs of the devastating Palisades fire. Among them was Beni Oren, a 24-year-old glamping business owner, who captured the terrifying moments on video.
From Meditation to Chaos
On the morning of Jan. 7, Oren and his friends decided to go for a trail run, eventually reaching Skull Rock where they took a detour to meditate. It was then that they noticed the smell of smoke and saw flames emerging over the mountain ridge, just 100 feet away. With no time to waste, the group ran uphill towards safety, narrowly escaping the rapidly approaching fire.
Blame and Speculation
Unfortunately, Oren’s decision to share the video of their near-death experience on social media backfired when internet users began pointing fingers at the group, questioning their proximity to the fire’s ignition point. The online backlash, fueled by suspicion and conspiracy theories, left Oren feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
Dealing with Accusations
As the Palisades fire continued to rage, Oren found himself at the center of a virtual witch hunt, with thousands of users speculating about his involvement in the blaze. Despite deleting his social media accounts to avoid further scrutiny, Oren remains haunted by the traumatic experience and the unjust accusations leveled against him and his friends.
Through Oren’s story, we are reminded of the power and pitfalls of social media, where a single post can lead to unwarranted blame and harassment. As we navigate the digital landscape, let us approach each story with empathy and critical thinking, recognizing that behind every viral video lies a complex human experience.