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In the wake of the devastating Notre Dame fire, many are coming together to help with reconstruction costs. But not Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). He'd rather heckle from the sidelines.
On Monday, a fire ripped through the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, threatening to destroy centuries of irreplaceable art and relics. Firefighters worked to minimize the damage while people around the world held vigils and watched helplessly as the cathedral's spire fell, engulfed by flames. Somehow, the damage inside wasn't as devastating as feared - many items, including the pipe organ featured in Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, were damaged, but not destroyed.
The Walt Disney Company, which made an animated version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1996, pledged $5 million to help pay for rebuilding.
Cruz was quick to weigh in. "Wonderful!" he Tweeted. "Will we see Disney princesses in the new stained glass?"
Wonderful! Will we see Disney princesses in the new stained glass? https://t.co/al6W7bvFyb— Ted Cruz (@Ted Cruz) 1555517914.0
It didn't go over well.
@tedcruz https://t.co/4UCVDqYrMf— Joseph Repetz (@Joseph Repetz) 1555518264.0
@tedcruz https://t.co/GhUAKJeRwH— Rebecca N. (@Rebecca N.) 1555518864.0
Cruz's flippancy was heartless, especially given the generosity of Disney's pledge, which will go toward the estimated $8 billion in rebuilding costs.
@MarcelMcClinton @tedcruz Good grief. This building is perhaps the most important in the western world. You can re… https://t.co/kCXn3mfc57— Ian Smith (@Ian Smith) 1555522585.0
@tedcruz What is the point of this comment? As a public figure representing a state, is hope words expressed would be of hope and support.— Jennifer MBW (@Jennifer MBW) 1555524428.0
@tedcruz https://t.co/zYCRXIKIBk— It's Life Just Live It (@It's Life Just Live It) 1555519517.0
Disney was one of many corporations offering to help with restoration costs.
"Notre-Dame is a beacon of hope and beauty that has defined the heart of Paris and the soul of France for centuries, inspiring awe and reverence for its art and architecture and for its enduring place in human history," said Robert Iger, Disney chairman and CEO. "The Walt Disney Company stands with our friends and neighbors in the community, offering our heartfelt support as well as a $5 million donation for the restoration of this irreplaceable masterpiece."
@tedcruz Too soon, man. In fact, never would be too soon. #NotreDame— Marj Halperin (@Marj Halperin) 1555522346.0
@tedcruz I am a born & bred Parisian who watched sobbing the fire of Notre Dame. Just wanted to let you know the st… https://t.co/IsEM2J6XXJ— Parisienne (@Parisienne) 1555520366.0
@tedcruz Mr. Cruz--remind us again how much you donated to help rebuild the Notre Dame cathedral? Yeah, thought so.— Carolyn B. Brodersen (@Carolyn B. Brodersen) 1555519277.0
@tedcruz What the hell are you doing— Marcel (@Marcel) 1555519276.0
Shockingly, Cruz has yet to walk back his insensitive tweet.