Family Ties actress Justine Bateman has accused Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of engaging in a “photo op” and displaying insincerity in their efforts to assist victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Taking to social media, Bateman shared a Fox News video of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex comforting survivors at a Pasadena food bank.
- Justine Bateman labeled Harry and Meghan as “disaster tourists” following their visit to wildfire victims in Los Angeles.
- The Sussexes distributed food parcels, interacted with survivors, and donated essential supplies and clothing.
- They also contributed financially through their Archewell Foundation.
“Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved,” Bateman, director of Violet, posted on Sunday (January 12).
Bateman’s criticism stemmed from photos and videos showing the Sussexes aiding wildfire victims. In one post, she said:
“They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists. #PalisadesFire.”
The couple resides in Montecito, roughly 90 miles (140 km) from Los Angeles. On January 10, they were photographed distributing food parcels at the Pasadena Convention Center, which had been converted into an evacuation hub.
While at the center, they spoke with José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, which is providing free hot meals to evacuees and emergency crews, and Victor Gordo, Mayor of Pasadena.
In addition to “anonymously” serving meals, Harry and Meghan reportedly visited burned-out homes in Pasadena and Altadena, speaking with families who had lost everything.
They also opened their $29 million Montecito mansion to friends and relatives displaced by the fires and donated children’s items, clothing, and other essential supplies to victims.
Mayor Gordo stated that the community appreciated the Sussexes’ efforts.
“They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as they can be, and really they just want to be supportive,” he told Fox News LA.
“They took the time to meet the people who were affected and spend time. They are just very caring people who are very concerned for their friends and neighbors.
“They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl, and people were very happy to see them.”
When anchor Susan Hirasuna asked, “I saw Meghan Markle stoop down and take the lid off of a plastic bin. Do they want to really get down and dirty?” the Mayor replied that the couple wasn’t seeking publicity but had come “to work.”
In Their Own Words
On their official website, Sussex.com, Harry and Meghan urged others to support those affected by the wildfires.
“If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do.
“And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.
“Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys, and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”
Despite their contributions, Bateman referred to their actions as a “photo op” and called them “disaster tourists.”
The couple, who relocated to Meghan’s home state of California in 2020 after stepping back as working royals, has also made financial donations through their Archewell Foundation, according to The Telegraph.
Wildfire Response Criticized
Bateman didn’t limit her criticism to the Sussexes. She also condemned the government’s handling of the wildfires, which have caused significant destruction and a rising death toll.
“I’m pretty pissed, and I think a lot of people in Los Angeles are pissed,” she told Fox News on Thursday (January 9).
“If you are going to run a city or run a state, you have to take care of the basics, and that’s to make sure that your fire and your police department are well-funded,” she emphasized.
“If you can’t cover the basics, get out of our city. You are useless to us. You are a liability, and you have destroyed people’s lives because you didn’t do your job. You didn’t do what you were hired for. You didn’t do what we pay you for.”
Bateman called on officials to “resign out of shame and responsibility” for their failure to prevent the devastation.
Catastrophic Wildfires
As of January 13, the wildfires have claimed at least 24 lives in the Los Angeles area. Fierce Santa Ana winds have fueled the flames, destroying thousands of homes and leaving 16 people missing.
The Eaton Fire, originating in Altadena, has become one of California’s deadliest wildfires, with 16 confirmed fatalities. Over 10,000 structures have been destroyed by the two largest fires, the Palisades and Eaton blazes, with the former scorching 23,000 acres.
Justine Bateman reiterated her belief that government officials should step down over their failure to protect the community.