California Drought Shamers Target Celebrities

Celebrities in California are facing a #droughtshaming campaign over their lush green lawns.

The mayor of Beverly Hills has backed efforts to make the rich and famous cut back on their water use as the state struggles through its worst drought in recorded history.

Aerial images of mega-mansions with well-watered grass, surrounded by scorched brown fields, have seen the #droughtshaming hashtag grow in popularity.

Stars including Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson and Barbra Streisand are all taking the heat over their lush lawns.

But Julian Gold, the mayor of Beverly Hills, says the water crisis means everyone has to take action.

He said: "I'm going to go knock on their door and tell them to stop.

"I think it's going to come down to neighbours policing neighbours."

The governor of California has ordered unprecedented mandatory cuts to water use with most of the state in "exceptional" drought.

People who overuse could face fines.

Mr Gold said: "The fines are not the answer. Even somebody who's got a mega-mansion, with a huge lawn and tons of money, has to understand that at the end of the day, if there's no water coming out of the faucet, it's their faucet also."

But in some areas water use has gone up as residents try to keep their lawns green during the drought.

"Even if you can afford it, you have to understand that this is serious, that this is a crisis, and you have to participate," said Mr Gold.

Authorities are encouraging people to switch from natural grass to drought-resistant desert landscaping and experts say celebrities could play a crucial role.

Stephanie Pincetl, of the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA, said: "We really need a lot of leadership from popular culture leaders who say, 'We're going to change our behaviour.

"'We will change our landscaping, come and see how beautiful it can be.'"