Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is drawing criticism for comments made during a press conference where she suggested that homeless individuals use methamphetamine to stay awake at night because they fear being assaulted. The remarks came as Bass defended her administration's approach to the city's homelessness 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 stated. When asked to clarify, she added, "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 quickly drew backlash online, with critics accusing the mayor of attempting to justify methamphetamine use rather than addressing the city's escalating addiction and public safety issues. Some commenters argued that drug addiction and mental health issues are primary drivers of homelessness, not the other way around, suggesting the problem would persist if this causal link is not recognized.
Concerns about the role of financial incentives in the city's homelessness response were also voiced, with one commenter suggesting that the current approach is built on deception and that bringing the reality of the situation to light could end the perceived "gravy train."
Methamphetamine continues to be a significant factor in Los Angeles County's overdose crisis. County health officials reported that methamphetamine was involved in nearly 60% of overdose deaths in 2025, making it the most prevalent drug in fatal overdoses. The preceding year saw more than 1,400 deaths attributed to methamphetamine-related overdoses.
The controversy also revives debate surrounding the city's harm-reduction policies. Following a federal drug raid in MacArthur Park in May, Bass expressed support for ending syringe distribution in the park, a move advocated by local business owners who contend the program contributes to open-air drug use. However, at the time of reporting, the syringe distribution program was reportedly still active in the area.
Homelessness remains a central issue in Bass's reelection campaign, with Los Angeles reportedly spending over $1 billion annually on homelessness programs.