Karen Bass gives deranged excuse for homeless meth hell destroying LA

Karen Bass is facing backlash after suggesting homeless people use methamphetamine to stay awake at night because they are afraid of being assaulted while asleep.

The comments came during a press conference Wednesday as the LA mayor defended her administration’s response to the crisis.

“You sleep out in the street for a couple of weeks, and tell me that you’re not going to stay sane or use meth so that you don’t go to sleep,” Bass said.

After reporters asked her to clarify the remark, Bass replied: “What I said is, is that I know that people have used meth to stay awake at night, so they don’t fall asleep because they’re worried about being assaulted.”

The comments ignited immediate backlash online, with critics accusing Bass of trying to justify meth use instead of addressing the city’s growing addiction and public safety problems.

“They think the homelessness caused them to have a drug problem. This is why it will never get fixed. The drugs and mental health are what caused the homelessness,” one user wrote.

Another commenter said the city’s homelessness response was driven by financial incentives rather than solutions, writing: “They don’t think that.

“They just know there are people gullible enough who do, and they know the gravy train ends if these scams are ever brought to light. Their entire operating system is built on deception.”

The comments also come as methamphetamine continues to drive Los Angeles County’s overdose crisis.

County health officials reported methamphetamine was involved in nearly 60% of overdose deaths in 2025, making it the most common drug detected in fatal overdoses.

More than 1,400 people died in methamphetamine-related overdoses the previous year.

The controversy also revives debate over the city’s harm-reduction policies.

Following a major federal drug raid in MacArthur Park in May, Bass said she supported ending syringe distribution at the park, where nearby business owners have argued the program attracts open-air drug use.

At last check by The California Post, however, the syringe distribution program was still operating in the area.

Homelessness remains the defining issue of Bass’ reelection campaign.

Los Angeles spends more than $1 billion annually on homelessness programs.

The California Post reached out to the mayor’s office for comment.

---

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters