Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Are Harshly Labeled 'Disaster Tourists' by This Outspoken Actress
California has been good to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and they wanted to give back to their community. On Friday, Jan. 10, the Sussexes arrived at the Pasadena Convention Center to thank the first responders and support pal José Andrés’ relief work with World Central Kitchen amid the Los Angeles wildfires.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo had nothing but nice things to say about the royal couple and seemed pleased with their willingness to show up and support the LA community. “It’s great people, great personalities and great heart for them to come out here and meet with the first responders, meet with the people who were affected,” Gordo told Fox 11 after speaking with Meghan and Harry. “It’s very important.”
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Yet not everyone seemed pleased by their appearance. Outspoken actress Justine Bateman shared her opinion on X on Saturday, Jan. 11 — and it sounds like she’s not a fan. “Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved. They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists. #PalisadesFire,” she wrote.
While some critics agreed with Bateman, she mostly received pushback from people who saw Harry and Meghan’s visit as kind and caring. “But what of it though? Why does it bother you so much? You’re not there. You don’t know what they’re there for. What they’ve contributed. I’m more confused as to why this is your business,” wrote one follower. Anther Sussex supporter added, “You’re aware she was born and raised in LA, right?”
Bateman has become somewhat of a controversial figure in Hollywood for speaking her mind about Donald Trump’s presidential win on Nov. 7, 2024. She wrote on X on Nov. 8, 2024, “Decompressing from walking on eggshells for the past four years. I have found the last four years to be an almost intolerable period. A very un-American period in that any questioning, any opinions, any likes or dislikes were held up to a very limited list of ‘permitted positions’ in order to assess acceptability.”
Bateman has not shared how she is supporting any of the Los Angeles fire victims while it was revealed by People that Prince Harry and Meghan opened their homes to displaced friends and “donated essential supplies” while supporting Andrés. It was likely the chef who invited them out to see his work firsthand and to work the food line serving warm meals to first responders and families who were affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. In addition, the premiere of Meghan’s Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan, has been postponed from a Jan. 15 premiere to March 4 out of sensitively to the LA community.
Bateman probably won’t win this round of criticism because the Sussexes have proved they are willing to do the work not only financially, but also on the ground.
Before you go, click here to see more of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s milestones since leaving the royal family.
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