News/Commentary

Actress slams Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for ‘repulsive photo-op’ at LA fires

January 13, 2025 | | Print Article

A torrent of criticism was focused on some celebrity “Disaster Tourists” as actress and filmmaker Justine Bateman slammed a royally “repulsive ‘photo-op.'”

While tragedy continued to unfold in Southern California, with at least 24 people confirmed dead and thousands more displaced by the raging wildfires, there was more than enough blame to go around for the leaders of the once-Golden State and Los Angeles. Amid slams against Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), LA Mayor Karen Bass (D), and more, Bateman saw fit to call out Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for appearing “no better than ambulance chasers.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, well-known for claiming they want to be left alone, made a point late last week of joining Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo (D) on a visit to first responders.

As video of the royals circulated on social media, Bateman blasted the pair who lived nearly 100 miles away: “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.”

The criticism posted to X came two days after the “Family Ties” star appeared on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime” where she unloaded on the failures in leadership to properly support the first responders.

“If you’re going to run a city, or a run a state, you have to take care of the basics. And that’s [to] make sure that your fire and police department are well-funded,” she said in part while her social media feed called for “new political leaders” to step up. “If you’re not doing everything you can to take care of those problems if they arise, then get out. You are useless to us.”

A video of the royal couple showed them not only with Gordo but also with World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés, a recent recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden who was also a partner of the Sussexes The Archewell Foundation.

The stated mission of the foundation read in part, “We believe that philanthropy is not a handout; it’s a handheld. At the Archewell Foundation, we roll up our sleeves and do just that. We consciously partner with key organizations and leaders to identify immediate needs, build meaningful initiatives, and drive long-term change. We are committed to uncovering and resolving the root causes of issues, prioritizing lasting solutions over temporary fixes.”

Through their charity arm, the duke and duchess were said to have donated items for children, clothing, and supplies while they opened their own home to friends, according to CNN.

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Of course, their appearance for the wildfires was not the first time that the couple had taken heat for a tragic photo-op as previously, within days of the massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the pair were spotted at a memorial set up outside the Uvalde County Courthouse.

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Kevin Haggerty
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