Additional Coverage:
- Chelsea Handler escalates feud with Spencer Pratt as she condemns his LA mayoral campaign (irishstar.com)
Comedian Chelsea Handler has taken aim at Spencer Pratt’s bid for Los Angeles mayor, reigniting a long-standing Hollywood feud in a recent video posted to her Instagram.
In the clip, Handler, 51, cautioned voters against supporting Pratt, a former reality TV star with no prior government experience. “If you’re seeing this video, this is a reminder that a straight, white male former reality star that has no previous experience in government should not be a legitimate political candidate,” she said, pausing to pour herself a canned cocktail.
“Have we learned anything yet? The bar is on the f—ing floor, people, and I need you to jump over it.”
Pratt, 42, who announced his mayoral run in January following the loss of his Pacific Palisades home in last year’s wildfires, responded swiftly on social media. He shared a clip of comedian Shane Gillis referencing Handler’s attendance at a 2010 dinner hosted by the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
“Most of you have probably never heard of Chelsea Handler, so here’s an introduction!” Pratt captioned the post.
The Epstein mention stems from a recent Netflix roast of comedian Kevin Hart, where Gillis mocked Handler for attending the controversial dinner. Handler has previously addressed the incident, telling actor Rob Lowe on his podcast that it was a one-time encounter and that she never visited Epstein’s private island or flew on his plane.
Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Handler has never been implicated in any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Handler’s video drew a mix of support and criticism. Actress Busy Philipps praised her in the comments, while others accused Handler of being out of touch with everyday voters.
Pratt faces incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and challengers Councilwoman Nithya Raman and minister Rae Huang in the upcoming race. His campaign has denied rumors that his run is part of an unscripted television series, calling such reports false.
The animosity between Handler and Pratt dates back to the late 2000s, when Handler frequently targeted Pratt and his wife Heidi Montag on her show Chelsea Lately. As the mayoral race heats up, their rivalry has clearly found new fuel.