Actor Dan Aykroyd has sharply criticized California, describing its current state as "medieval" due to issues such as homelessness and high living costs. In a resurfaced interview on The Adam Carolla Show, Aykroyd drew a stark contrast between his experiences in Los Angeles and his native Canada.
While acknowledging pockets of peace and beauty, such as Santa Monica's "lovely wide boulevards," Aykroyd highlighted the significant disparity with other parts of the city, noting the presence of approximately 60,000 homeless individuals. "The underside and the overside will always, always be there," he stated. "We're living in frankly medieval times."
Aykroyd described his current lifestyle in California as being highly guarded, stating he drives "very carefully" and avoids going out during "prison hours," referring to late-night periods. He expressed a desire for his family to feel safe enough to roam freely at night, a sentiment he contrasted with his experiences in Canada.
Carolla echoed Aykroyd's observations, citing the paradox of ultra-wealthy individuals like Jay-Z and Beyoncé owning multimillion-dollar homes in areas like Malibu, yet having to drive through homeless encampments to reach them. He characterized the situation as one of extreme wealth existing alongside people "expiring on the streets in squalor."
In contrast, Aykroyd lauded the peaceful nature of life in Canada. He recalled a conversation with a friend during a drive through the Canadian countryside, where the friend asked about living in a "country without war." Aykroyd reflected that he often took such peace for granted.
Reports indicate that Aykroyd, 74, primarily resides on his estate in Ontario, Canada, though he has maintained properties in the U.S., including in the Los Angeles area.