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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing criticism for their efforts to assist with wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles, particularly from actress Justine Bateman, who has referred to them as “disaster tourists.”
In a recent post on social media platform “X,” Bateman expressed her disdain, suggesting that the couple’s actions resembled those of “ambulance chasers.” She criticized them for what she termed a “repulsive ‘photo op'” during their visit to the devastation caused by the wildfires. Bateman questioned their motives, asking, “Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists.
Disaster Tourists. #PalisadesFire https://t.co/Kv6v6jSX4y
— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) January 12, 2025
Bateman’s comments came after Harry and Meghan were seen touring a disaster area in Pasadena, alongside the city’s mayor, Victor Gordo. The actress’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among some who feel that public figures leveraging tragedies for visibility can overshadow the seriousness of the situation.
While it is true that the couple reside in sunny Montecito, located approximately 90 miles north of Los Angeles, their actions have sparked debate regarding the appropriateness of their involvement in local disasters.
Reports indicate that during the wildfires, Harry and Meghan made their home available to friends and family affected by the fires, providing essential supplies to those in need.
In a related note, Bateman has voiced her frustration with local authorities during an interview on “Jesse Watters Primetime.” She highlighted the failures in wildfire preparedness and has called for accountability among city officials, arguing that they should have done better to protect the community.
The human toll of the wildfires has been substantial, with at least 24 fatalities and 16 individuals reported missing, along with extensive damage to homes across the area.
Source
www.tmz.com