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Spencer Pratt has fired back at criticism of a new attack ad in his Los Angeles mayoral campaign.
On Wednesday, April 29, the former Hills star released a campaign ad filmed outside the homes of two of his opponents in the upcoming mayoral primary: current Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman.
The campaign commercial racked up nearly 11 million viewers within two days of its release and has been praised as game-changing by Pratt’s supporters. Raman, however, condemned Pratt for filming outside her home, calling it an “unnecessary and reckless” political stunt, while Mayor Bass accused her rival of doing his “best Trump impression.”
The controversy erupted during a sharp uptick in Pratt’s fundraising — including an infusion of cash from former Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss — and rising poll numbers, as well as numerous celebrity endorsements.
Keep scrolling for Pratt’s response to the controversial ad and more about the backlash.
Why Is Spencer Pratt’s New Ad Controversial?
Pratt dropped the attack ad on April 29, tagging it with a reference to Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 hit “Not Like Us.” The clip opens with him standing outside of Mayor Bass and Raman’s L.A.-area homes.
“This is where Mayor Bass lives. Notice something? Or here, where Nithya Raman’s $3 million mansion sits,” he says. “They don’t have to live in the mess they’ve created.”
The ad then cuts to Spencer standing outside the trailer where he has lived with his wife, Heidi Montag, and their two children since their home burned down in the 2025 Palisade Fire.
Spencer Pratt in April 2018 in New York City. Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Shorty Awards
“This is where I live. They let my home burn down,” Pratt declares. “I know what the consequences of failed leadership are. That’s why I’m running for mayor, for my sons and the rest of us Angelenos who want to stop these corrupt politicians from destroying our city. We are going to get the golden age of Los Angeles back.”
The hard-hitting content of the ad led to former View panellist Meghan McCain predicting that Pratt will win the mayoral race. The Challenge’s Johnny Bananas shared the ad via X, adding, “That’s my mayor 🤘.”
How Did Nithya Raman Respond to Spencer Pratt’s Ad?
The Los Angeles City Councilmember exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, April 30, that Pratt’s filming outside of her home was irresponsible.
“Filming outside my home, where I live with my young children, feels unnecessary and reckless,” Raman exclusively told Us via a “Nithya for Mayor” campaign spokesperson.
Raman has previously urged Los Angeles voters not to laugh off Pratt’s mayoral campaign.
“Spencer Pratt’s run for mayor is no joke. He’s a MAGA Republican who has vowed to work with ICE & end L.A.’s sanctuary city ordinance,” Raman tweeted on Monday, April 27. “He is a threat to Los Angeles and the immigrants who built their lives here.”
Nithya Raman speaks onstage during Celebration Of Life For Beloved Mountain Lion. JC Olivera/Getty Images for the National Wildlife Federation
In February, Pratt confirmed that, if elected, he planned to work with the federal government on immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
“Karen Bass’ open defiance of federal law for political gain has created confusion, tension and instability,” he said. “When I am mayor, I will work directly with the federal government in a firm but humane way with a clear focus on public safety. Violent criminals will be removed from our streets and law-abiding, hard-working families will live without fear.”
Did Spencer Pratt Clap Back at Nithya Raman?
Pratt dismissed Raman’s criticism of his controversial campaign ad by suggesting that she was simply “validating” the premise of his political attack.
“Nithya just validating the entire premise of our commercial,” he tweeted on April 30. “She doesn’t care if there’s homeless drug addicts in front of your home, in front of your kids school, but God help her if a man in a suit takes a picture on the public street for two minutes.”
How Did Mayor Karen Bass Respond to Spencer Pratt’s Attack Ad?
A spokesperson for Mayor Bass released a statement to Us on Friday, May 1, in which she likened Pratt’s bravado to that of President Donald Trump.
“Spencer is doing his best Trump impression but it’s not going to work in L.A.,” her rep told Us.
What Is Next in the L.A. Mayoral Race?
A primary election will be held Tuesday, June 2. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, a runoff election will take place Tuesday, November 3.
