Justine Bateman Criticizes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Helping L.A. Fire Victims: ‘Disaster Tourists’ details below

Justine Bateman is criticizing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s efforts to help victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.

“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?” Bateman, 58, wrote via X “They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists. #PalisadesFire.”

Alongside the message, the Family Ties actress reshared a video of Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, speaking with people affected by the fires. While visiting the World Central Kitchen, Harry and Meghan wore masks around their necks. (Bateman previously thanked the LAPD and LAFD, writing via X, “We love you so much. Thank you for protecting us with your unjustly-limited resources. We thank you and bless you endlessly. #PalisadesWildfire #SunsetFire.”)

Us Weekly understands that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex volunteered to hand out food and supplies to victims of the Eaton Fire. The couple, who tied the knot in 2018, offered their support as they heard stories from those affected by the wildfire and witnessed a strong community spirit.

Harry and Meghan also connected with elderly individuals and families inside the Pasadena Convention Center. Us understands that the pair donated clothing, children’s items and other essential supplies to the main donation center. Monetary donations have also been made via their charity organization, Archewell Foundation, for relief, recovery and rebuild efforts.

The pair joined Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California’s First Partner, and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, in thanking first responders, including Fire Chief Marrone and his team from the LA County Fire Department as well as Members of CalFire and the Pasadena Police Force at the Rose Bowl. Harry and Meghan also met with World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés and thanked the teams for their work.

After tens of thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes in the Los Angeles area due to the wildfires, Harry and Meghan opened up their Montecito, California, home to friends who were affected. (Their home is about 80 miles north of the Pacific Palisades area, where the fires first broke out.) The twosome have also created a dedicated page on their official website to the wildfires, sharing resources for organizations aiding the relief efforts. In addition, the Duchess delayed the planned January 15 launch of her Netflix
series, With Love, Meghan to March in order to “focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,” she said in a statement.

Harry and Meghan, who are parents to son Archie, 5, and daughter Lilibet, 3, initially moved to California from the U.K. in 2020. They spent several months at Tyler Perry’s Los Angeles home before buying their own in Montecito.