Kenneth Bass, brother of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and other defendants after his Malibu home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. The lawsuit was filed on May 18, 2025, in L.A. Superior Court, alleging injuries from smoke inhalation and emotional distress due to the loss of their home, which had been in their family for years.
The Palisades Fire began on January 7, 2025, and spread into Malibu, prompting numerous claims from affected homeowners and businesses. Kenneth and his wife, Cindy, have joined a larger lawsuit that consolidates claims from thousands of other residents against the city and the Department of Water and Power (DWP), which is accused of contributing to the fire's impact due to inadequate water pressure and unsafe electrical systems. DWP has denied these allegations.
Mayor Bass publicly acknowledged her brother's loss shortly after the fire and has been involved in discussions regarding the city's response to the disaster. Yusef Robb, an adviser to the mayor, stated that the lawsuit is not new information, as many others are involved in similar claims. The litigation is ongoing, with city attorneys asserting that the city is not liable for the damages caused by the fire. Kenneth Bass, who purchased his Malibu home in the 1980s, has since moved to Los Angeles and has supported his sister's political campaigns financially. Mayor Bass is currently seeking reelection and will compete in the November 3 general election.