Josh Flagg is defending himself after getting slammed on-line for what critics referred to as a tone-deaf actual property flex within the wake of Malibu’s lethal wildfires.

On Tuesday, the actual property energy dealer posted a photograph of two beachfront houses diminished to rubble within the 2025 Palisades fires captioned “JUST SOLD!” and noting one bought for $5 million, the opposite for $4.65 million. The put up rapidly drew tons of of feedback accusing him of insensitivity towards victims.

The feedback part lit up quick, with critics calling the put up “in very poor style,” “horrific,” and “triggering and heartbreaking for lots of people.”

Now, Flagg tells TMZ the picture by no means ought to’ve gone up. “I am not going to sit down again whereas individuals query my character,” he tells us. “The picture utilized in my current put up was a mistake. My advertising and marketing workforce posted it with out my evaluate or approval … I used to be on a transatlantic flight when it went up. I am sorry if it offended anybody.”

Flagg, who has represented most of the beachfront sellers of the properties affected by the fires, says the criticism ignores his lengthy historical past of serving to Malibu recuperate.

“Anyone who is aware of me is aware of I labored laborious to assist — putting households who misplaced houses, talking out weekly on CNN and FOX, and pushing again on idiotic insurance policies that slowed rebuilding,” he mentioned, including he is fought value gouging, pushed for a good course of, and stayed vocal about restoration.

“These gross sales aren’t simply transactions — they’re serving to Malibu residents rebuild and restore neighborhoods,” he defined. “Displaying progress is a constructive signal, as a result of it means a quicker restoration and a brighter future for the group.”

Inside hours of the Palisades fires igniting, Josh opened his residence to everybody from informal acquaintances to shut associates together with Melissa Rivers who had been displaced.