'Happy Days' star Scott Baio slammed for saying he was leaving California due to crime and homelessness
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Happy Days' star Scott Baio was slammed online after declaring his intention to leave California, citing the Golden State's homelessness crisis as one of his reasons. Baio, a longtime Los Angeles resident known for his portrayal of Chachi on the popular '70s sitcom claimed that the state was "not a safe place anymore" and cited lax laws against crime as one of the reasons.
The retired actor tweeted, "After 45 years, I'm finally making my way to 'exit stage right' from California," along with some facts about homelessness. "[Homelessness] brings down property value. Also no consequences for crime that is rampant, making things higher in price and it’s just not a safe place anymore. #ImFree," Baio mentioned.
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Why is Scott Baio leaving California?
After 45 years, I’m making my way to finally “exit stage right” from California.
— Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) May 3, 2023
“The most recent survey conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority found approximately 69,000 people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County and 41,000 in the city in 2022.” pic.twitter.com/fBCeNyhhhx
Baio announced his intentions to leave LA on Twitter, having listed his $3.85M Woddland Hills home on the market in May owing to homelessness and crime issues, as per the Daily Mail. The Republican and actor stated that he no longer felt safe in California due to a number of concerns under Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom.
Where does Scott Baio live?
According to Realtor.com, the actor resides in the gated community of Westchester County Estates. He has a 6,300 sqft mansion with five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, as well as a high ceiling, stone floors, a curved staircase, a great room, a dining room and a home office. The exterior features a pool, spa, lush landscaping and a no-build zone behind it.
Many of the LA's wealthiest citizens are departing. Actor Jim Carrey was the most recent A-lister to offer his property for sale as Newsom raised taxes on the wealthy amid rising crime rates in the city. Carey, 61, who paid $3.8 million for his Brentwood property in 1994, offered it for a staggering $28.9 million after announcing his intention to stop performing. Carey, who was referring to the David Bowie song, claimed he no longer spends much time at home and was prepared for "Cha cha cha cha... changes" in a statement to the Wall Street Journal. It is unknown whether Carey will stay in Los Angeles. These celebrities have left California because lawmakers there are attempting to pass legislation that would impose a new tax on the wealthiest citizens of the state, as well as because of increased crime and a homeless crisis.
'Yay for you. Please don’t come to NY'
Meanwhile, Baio's tweet was widely shared with many mercilessly trolling the retired actor. A user tweeted, "Yay for you. Please don’t come to NY." Another user claimed, "Why not stay and help?" Someone quipped, "Are you ready to come live off the land? I can teach you." "BYE!" a user simply said. A person wrote, "Funny way of saying you can’t afford to live here anymore."
Are you ready to come live off the land? I can teach you.
— Almost Amish (@AlmostAmish1) May 5, 2023
According to a March poll, California is home to around 115,500 of the 233,800 homeless persons in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the state's overall homeless population has grown by around 6% since 2020, as per New York Post.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.