Overview
- Pratt, polling at 22% to Bass’s 30% and Raman’s 19% in a new Emerson survey, faced fresh scrutiny Wednesday after TMZ reported he spent weeks at the Hotel Bel‑Air.
- He rejected claims that he misled voters, telling TMZ Live and posting on X that his Palisades home burned in 2025, that threats and utility delays keep him from the trailer, and that state rules let fire victims keep their L.A. domicile while they rebuild.
- The flare-up followed a run of viral clips and AI-made outside ads that cast Pratt as a crusader and blasted Bass and Raman, drawing millions of views even as strategists note many viewers are not L.A. voters and many locals remain undecided.
- Celebrity attention has grown, with a Foster–McPhee fundraiser and donations from figures such as Jeanie Buss and Haim Saban, while Bass maintains the biggest war chest near $4 million and benefits from union-backed mailers and phone banks.
- TMZ also reported Thursday that Pratt signed a deal with Boardwalk Pictures to film his campaign and potential time at City Hall, a reality-style move that could amplify his message but invite more vetting of his claims and residency narrative.