On Monday, news broke of a devastating fire at the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.
According to French 24, the roof has been completely consumed by the fire. The towering spiral has also fallen, but the city was able to save some of the relics inside.
Many celebrities, including Salma Hayek, took to social media to weigh in on the heartbreaking damage to the historic landmark. She wrote on Instagram, “As many others I’m in deep shock and sadness to witness the beauty of Notre-Dame turn into smoke.”
Along with marrying less than a mile away from the medieval cathedral, Hayek also played Esmeralda in the 1997 film “The Hunchback,” a retelling of Victor Hugo’s novel which takes place at Notre Dame.
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Salma’s husband François-Henri Pinault took matters into his own hands, pledging to donate millions to the reconstruction efforts. In a statement, the CEO of Kering said, “My father [François Pinault] and I have decided to release as of now from the funds of Artemis a sum of 100 million euros to participate in the effort that will be necessary for the complete reconstruction of Notre Dame.”
The city has pledged 50 million euros, with French President Emmanuel Marcos vowing to rebuild the structure, which dates back to 1163. He said, “We will rebuild. All together. It’s part of the fate, the destiny of France, and our common project over the coming years. And I am committed to it.”
President Trump also offered his condolences. He said, “The United States stands with French citizens, the city of Paris, and the millions of visitors from around the world who have sought solace in that iconic structure. The Cathedral has served as a spiritual home for almost a millennium, and we are saddened to witness the damage to this architectural masterpiece. Notre Dame will continue to serve as a symbol of France, including its freedom of religion and democracy. France is the oldest ally of the United States, and we remember with grateful hearts the tolling of Notre Dame’s bells on September 12, 2001, in solemn recognition of the tragic September 11th attacks on American soil. Those bells will sound again. We stand with France today and offer our assistance in the rehabilitation of this irreplaceable symbol of Western civilization. Vive la France!”
See more celebrities reactions below.
Im in utter shock watching the terrible sights on TV. #NotreDame cathedral is on fire and we are watching as the world is about to lose this 850 year old historical, iconic and beautiful world heritage building. Huge huge loss pic.twitter.com/NIrmYpubq7
— Luke Evans (@TheRealLukevans) April 15, 2019
I cannot believe what’s happening to Notre Dame.
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) April 15, 2019
Standing here next to you, heartsick for Notre Dame…
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) April 15, 2019
my heart is breaking seeing the fire at notre dame. I’ll never forget walking in the first time in Paris and being in awe of the beauty of it. 💔
— camila (@Camila_Cabello) April 15, 2019
Feel profoundly sad about this… so much lost in a few seconds … I am praying (which I don’t do often) for the fire to be contained soon …. utterly heartbreaking https://t.co/VnRPHdHOFs
— Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) April 15, 2019
Watching the Notre-Dame fire with such sadness. Sending love to the people of France and hoping they get a handle on it soon. It has survived, and will survive.
— josh groban (@joshgroban) April 15, 2019
Very sad to see the Cathedral of Notre Dame in flames. Such a magnificent and iconic structure. I hope everyone is safe and my heart goes out to the French people.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) April 15, 2019