One prominent conspiracy theory focuses on rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was charged with sex trafficking in September. Some users are baselessly claiming that the wildfires were intentionally started to cover up alleged incriminating evidence in Combs’ trial — the conspiracy theories vary, but that’s the core of it.

When a user searches “Diddy wildfire,” the first video that returns has over 5.7 million views and claims that Diddy’s mansion has been “completely consumed by fire” (it’s actually untouched by fire, per a January 12 news report) and that “the house would enter into investigation in a couple of days where many names would be involved (196 in the case) unfortunately that will no longer be possible.” 

Another video, with over 5.3 million views, commented on the timing of the fire, suggesting that celebrities are “burning the evidence” ahead of Combs’ trial. 

Other users claim that the wildfires are biblical prophecies being fulfilled.

“The book of Revelations is unfolding before our eyes,” reads overlaid text on a video with over 912,000 views.

Another video, with over 1.3 million views, also references the book of Revelation (in which seven angels sound seven trumpets to signal the apocalypse), claiming that the LA fire “was the first trumpet.”

Fake images and videos (seemingly artificial intelligence-generated) of the wildfire are also racking up millions of views on TikTok, and the most popular are fake images of the Hollywood sign burning. (According to a January 13 report in Architectural Digest, the sign is “undamaged.”)

“We Lost Hollywood Hills,” reads the caption of one video with over 1.2 million views.

Another video, with over 586,000 views, pictures fake imagery of the Hollywood sign burning with overlaid text reading, “TIMELAPSE OF HOLLYWOOD SIGN CATCHING FIRE.”

Conspiracy theories often spike after natural disasters, and the LA wildfires are no exception. TikTok’s algorithm appears to be amplifying unfounded conspiracy theories to millions of users, fueling panic and uncertainty at a time when clear information is critical.