“He wanted to take us to Vegas”: Before You Sympathize With James Woods, He Reportedly Tried to Hit On a 16-Year-Old Actress When He Was 52

As the new year unfolded, Los Angeles faced the terrifying fury of wildfires—powerful enough to leave even the most secure Hollywood mansions trembling. By the time it was over, more than 30,000 residents were forced out of their homes, and California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency. James Woods, the Oscar-nominated actor known for his sharp-witted roles and controversial opinions, saw his own Pacific Palisades home reduced to ashes. 

James Woods in The Virgin Suicides | Credit: Paramount Vantage

It’s hard to imagine a fate worse than watching your house go up in flames, but somehow, for Woods, the story didn’t end there. Before we start lighting candles or sending thoughts and prayers, let’s remember this isn’t exactly the first time Woods has made headlines. Back in 2017, Amber Tamblyn, actress, and outspoken activist, leveled a serious claim against Woods.

James Woods’ heartbreaking loss amid California fires

Imagine waking up one morning, your life a picture of comfort, everything seemingly perfect, and then in an instant, everything you’ve known is gone. That’s exactly what James Woods experienced as Southern California’s brutal wildfires ripped through Los Angeles, including his Pacific Palisades home.

“One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone,” Woods told CNN. The 77-year-old actor, known for his roles in Vampires and Once Upon a Time in America, spoke with raw vulnerability as he described the chaos that unfolded in his neighborhood.

What followed was even more heartbreaking. In the midst of the madness, Woods found strength in his loved ones, particularly in the small, yet deeply moving gesture of his wife Sara Miller-Woods’ 8-year-old niece. The little girl, witnessing the destruction of their world, grabbed her piggy bank, determined to help rebuild the house they had lost.

Yet it wasn’t just his own family that Woods reached out to during the chaos. The actor recounted the harrowing moment when he helped his 94-year-old neighbor—who suffers from dementia—get to safety. 

James Woods in Nixon (1995) | Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

It’s one thing to witness destruction; it’s another to bear it with grace. Woods admitted, “I thought I would be stronger than this,” as tears welled in his eyes. He did more than just talk about his pain—he shared it, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the devastation. On social media, he posted:

While the fires rage on, claiming more homes and lives across Southern California, the city of Los Angeles is grappling with more than just a natural disaster—it’s a wake-up call to the fragility of it all. Hollywood has come to a halt, with premieres and events canceled, productions paused, and the Critics Choice Awards postponed indefinitely (see US Today). 

Amber Tamblyn’s powerful response to James Woods’ past actions?

Amber Tamblyn in The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret | Credit: IFC

While many might offer their sympathies for James Woods’ personal loss, one cannot ignore the shadow of controversy that lingers in his past—a controversy that resurfaced in 2017. And continues to fuel debate to this day.

In a moment of public outcry, actress Amber Tamblyn took to X, calling out the actor for his past actions. Her tweet was pointed, unapologetic, and unmistakably clear (via THR): “Calling me a liar, James? This is far from over. That I can promise.” Less than 24 hours later, she followed up with an open letter published by Teen Vogue, and what she revealed was both disturbing and shocking.

In the midst of an online debate about the controversial film Call Me by Your Name, Woods found himself tangled in an unexpected Twitter spat. A comment made by author Chad Felix Greene sparked the discussion, which, in turn, led Woods to lash out at the film’s themes, linking them to the North American Man/Boy Love Association. This comment didn’t go unnoticed, with actor Armie Hammer quickly calling out Woods for his own behavior, which included dating women much younger than him. She said:

But it was Tamblyn’s personal account that sent shockwaves through the conversation. The actress shared that she had encountered Woods years earlier when she was 16 while Woods was 52. She revealed, 

Tamblyn’s courage to speak out opened the floodgates for others, and soon, many Twitter users came forward with their own stories. What followed was a whirlwind of support for Tamblyn, including from fellow actresses Lena Dunham, Rose McGowan, and Don Cheadle.

Woods, predictably, denied the allegations, responding in a roundabout fashion. He claimed, dismissing the accusations as nothing more than trolls trying to stir the pot:

He further trivialized the situation with a patronizing tone, saying, 

Amber Tamblyn in Django Unchained | Credit: Sony Pictures

However, Tamblyn didn’t back down. In her open letter, she described the incident in detail, recounting how, after a show at the Roxy, she and her friend were stopped by Woods, who suggested they all go to Las Vegas together. As she reflected, 

Tamblyn’s letter was a raw and powerful reflection of the toxic culture that often questions women’s truth before considering men’s actions. She wrote, 

But perhaps the most poignant part of her letter was her call for introspection. It was a direct challenge to Woods—an invitation to face the uncomfortable truths about power, privilege, and the actions that have shaped his legacy.