Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been defended following criticism from actress Justine Bateman, who labeled their visit to a Los Angeles wildfire evacuation center as ‘repulsive.’
The Family Ties star recently took to social media to criticize the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who reside in Montecito, California, for what she perceived as an insensitive ‘photo op’ at the center for wildfire victims.
On January 12, Bateman posted on X: “Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers,” expressing her disdain for the couple’s actions. She further condemned them, saying, “What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved. They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists.” Bateman concluded her harsh remarks by calling the pair ‘disaster tourists.’
In response to Bateman’s comments, many defended Harry and Meghan. One X user commented: “I don’t want to be critical of anyone right now. This is what Harry has always been taught to do; I think they are just trying to help. People want to help but don’t know how to right now. Give the benefit of the doubt, horrible tragedy.”
Another user pointed out: “Oh, this is a royal family thing. They depicted it in The Crown. I forget the details, but the royal family was sharply criticized for being aloof during a big disaster. The Queen listened to the criticism and showed up, and it’s been an expectation ever since. 50-75 years ago.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, with one stating: “I think Harry has the best interest of the people at heart. We need to lay off them for a while,” while another criticized the hypocrisy: “No one complains about the repulsive photo ops from other royals. The hate these two get is such hypocrisy.”
A final user clarified: “I’m not a fan of the royals, but the last I heard, Harry and Meghan do live in LA.”
Footage from Fox 11 Los Angeles captured Harry and Meghan in Pasadena on January 10, speaking with the city’s mayor, Victor Gordo, and emergency workers battling the Eaton Fire. The couple was seen comforting volunteers and distributing food to evacuees.
According to Fox News Digital, Harry and Meghan have also reportedly opened their home to friends and family forced to evacuate, donating clothing, children’s items, and other essentials to aid the affected community.
Mayor Gordo praised their efforts, stating: “This is their second visit today. Earlier, they were serving food anonymously, with no one aware of their presence due to masks. They didn’t come here for publicity; they came to work. They visited families in impacted areas and personally thanked first responders for their efforts to help our families and neighbors.”
