Amid the devastating California wildfires, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sparked controversy with their recent visit to an evacuation center in Pasadena.
Actress Justine Bateman lambasted the royal couple's actions, calling them insincere and labeling them "disaster tourists," Fox News reported.
Prince Harry and Meghan, who moved to California from the UK, visited the local evacuation center to support those affected by the fires. They spoke with displaced individuals and the authorities managing the crisis.
The couple opened their home as a temporary shelter for evacuated friends and family and donated essentials like clothing and children's items to meet immediate needs.
Despite their efforts, actress Justine Bateman heavily criticized them. She accused the couple of exploiting the tragedy for a "photo op" and likened their actions to those of "ambulance chasers."
In an interview with Jesse Watters on Fox News, Bateman criticized the royal couple and condemned California officials for their handling of the fire crises. She specifically called out Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and criticized the overall funding for emergency services.
"Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive 'photo op' they achieved," Bateman stated, emphasizing her disdain for what she perceives as their superficial involvement.
"Are they politicians now? They don't live here; they are tourists. Disaster tourists," Bateman added, questioning the couple's true intentions and their role during the crisis. Her criticism extended to local governance, highlighting a need for better financial support for fire and police departments within the state.
"If you're 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 police department[s] are well funded," she said during the televised interview.
The California wildfires continue to rage, with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reporting active fires in Los Angeles, including the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and Hurst Fire. These fires, which vary in containment levels, have caused significant property damage and loss of life.
Officials report that the fires have affected over 12,300 structures, while the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner has confirmed 16 deaths linked to these devastating events.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have avoided addressing the criticisms directly, as their representative declined to respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Meanwhile, media and public opinion remain divided, with some praising their philanthropic intentions and others amplifying Bateman's harsh criticisms.
As the situation unfolds, the wildfires' impact and the public scrutiny surrounding high-profile visits by Prince Harry and Meghan continue to evolve, highlighting the complex interplay between celebrity involvement and genuine humanitarian efforts during crises.
People have long debated the effectiveness and sincerity of celebrity involvement in disaster relief efforts, but the current situation underscores the ongoing struggle to balance public relations with genuine aid. Many question whether figures like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle act helpfully or opportunistically, keeping their impact on the ground at the center of public discourse and debate.
This incident may spark broader discussions about the roles and responsibilities of public figures in humanitarian crises and the expectations the public and media place on them.
