Spencer Pratt's run for mayor of Los Angeles was already unconventional. In recent weeks, though, the former reality television star has pushed the campaign into stranger and far darker territory, mixing celebrity feuds, AI-generated attack ads and inflammatory online rhetoric that critics say is dragging the city's politics into spectacle.
The 42-year-oldformer star of MTV's 'The Hills'entered the race after losing his Pacific Palisades home during the devastating 2025 wildfires. Pratt has repeatedly blamed city leadership, particularly incumbent mayor Karen Bass, for failures in emergency response during the fires.
One of the clearest signs of how chaotic the race has become came duringPratt's escalating feud with comedian Chelsea Handler. Handler pointed on Instagram that Pratt's candidac, describing him as a 'straight, white male former reality star' with no governmental experience and questioning why voters should take him seriously.
Pratt retaliated by posting a clip of comedian Shane Gillis joking about Handler attending parties connected to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The exchange quickly spiralled beyond politics into outright character attacks, revealing what now defines Pratt's campaign style. It thrives on provocation, celebrity conflict and viral engagement rather than policy detail.
The backlash intensified afterPratt shared AI-generated political videosdepicting Bass as villains, including Darth Vader and the Joker while presenting himself as a heroic saviour figure. The imagery alarmed political observers and several public figures who argued the campaign was crossing into dangerous territory.
LA is worth saving. Vote Spencer Pratt.pic.twitter.com/S9O8jvTz4I
Appearing on CNN,Bass said the ads represented a 'violent turn' in political messaging, warning that demonising opponents can encourage unstable behaviour. Whoopi Goldberg later echoed her criticismduring a segment on 'The View.'
Goldberg said she was 'freaked out' by the AI content and criticised what she described as escalatinghostility disguised as political campaigning. Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin called the material 'AI slop,' arguing it trivialised serious issues affecting wildfire victims.
Pratt, however, appears entirely comfortable inhabiting that environment. He continues posting heavily edited attack clips online, including a manipulated video using footage of Khloé Kardashian from 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' to brand Bass a liar during a televised debate.
Scrutiny has also intensified around Pratt's public portrayal of his personal circumstances following the fires.
Source: International Business Times UK
