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“Disaster Tourists”: Justine Bateman Posts Fiery Message Against Prince Harry And Meghan Markle
Family Ties actress Justine Bateman has accused Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of posing for a “photo op” and being disingenuous in their efforts to help victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Taking to social media, Justine reposted a video by Fox News showing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex comforting survivors at a food bank in Pasadena.
Highlights
- Justine Bateman called Harry and Meghan "disaster tourists" after they were seen helping victims of the LA wildfires.
- The Sussexes handed out food parcels, spoke with survivors, and donated clothing and essential supplies.
- They also donated money through their Archewell Foundation.
“Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved,” the Violet director wrote on Sunday (January 12).
BP Daily - Your Source for Unbiased Reporting
Justine Bateman criticized Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after they were seen helping victims of the Los Angeles wildfires
Image credits: Apu Gomes/Getty Images
“They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists. #PalisadesFire.”
The couple lives in Montecito, which is approximately 90 miles (140 km) from Los Angeles. On January 10, they were seen handing out food parcels to thoseaffected by the wildfires at the Pasadena Convention Centre, which has been turned into an evacuation center amid the natural disaster.
They were seen talking to José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which is distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency crews, and Victor Gordo, the Mayor of Pasadena, as perThe DailyMail.
Image credits: Larry King
In addition to “anonymously” serving meals to victims, Harry and Meghan reportedly visited some of the burnt-out houses in Pasadena and Altadena and spoke to those who had lost their homes in the fires.
They have also opened the doors to their $29 million Montecito mansion to their friends and family who were forced to evacuate and donated clothing, children’s items, and essential supplies to victims.
Mayor Gordo said that people were “really happy” to see theSussexes.
The Sussexes were filmed comforting survivors at a food bank in Pasadena
Image credits: Karwai Tang/WireImage
“They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as they can be, and really they just want to be supportive,” he told Fox News LA.
“They took the time to meet the people who were affected and spend time. They are just very caring people who are very concerned for their friends and neighbors.
“They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl, and people were very happy to see them.”
When anchor Susan Hirasuna asked, “I saw Meghan Markle stoop down and take the lid off of a plastic bin. Do they want to really get down and dirty?” the Mayor responded that the couple were not there for publicity but came out “to work.”
Image credits: ONSCENE TV
In a statement posted on their Sussex.com website, Harry and Meghan urged residents to help those affected by the wildfires in any way that they could.
“If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do.
“And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.
“Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”
The filmmaker referred to their effort as a “photo op” and called them “disaster tourists”
Image credits: KCAL News
Image credits: JustineBateman
The parents, who moved toMeghan’s native California in 2020 after stepping down as working royals, have also made donations through their Archewell Foundation, according toThe Telegraph.
Justine further criticized the government’s handling of the wildfires that, at the time of writing, have left a death toll of 24.
The actress-turned-filmmaker said thatCalifornia officials did not make enough efforts to prevent the destruction caused by the fires.
“I’m pretty pissed, and I think a lot of people in Los Angeles are pissed,” she toldFox News on Thursday (January 9).
In addition to serving meals, Meghan and Harry donated clothing, essential supplies, and children’s items
Image credits: FOX 11 Los Angeles
Image credits: FOX 11 Los Angeles
“If you are 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 your police department are well-funded,” she stressed.
“If you can’t cover the basics, get out of our city. You are useless to us. You are a liability, and you have destroyed people’s lives because you didn’t do your job. You didn’t do what you were hired for. You didn’t do what we pay you for.”
Justine added that officials should “resign out of shame and responsibility” for the victims.
The wildfires have caused a death toll of 24 as of January 13
Image credits: Eric Thayer/Getty Images
Karen Bass @MayorOfLA, you are insane. You are talking like an abusive boyfriend trying to convince his girlfriend that the smacks to her face and body did not emanate from him.
You have yet to step up in any way to confess your incredible irresponsibility to the city of Los… https://t.co/iR4wMfZvQi— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) January 12, 2025
The wildfires, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds in the region, have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people in the Los Angeles area. According to theAssociated Press, at least 16 people remain missing.
The Eaton Fire, which broke out in Altadena, is one of the deadliest in the history of California, having claimed the lives of 16 people.
Justine insisted that California officials should “resign out of shame and responsibility” for the victims
Image credits: FOX News
Image credits: FOX News
Over 10,000 structures have reportedly been destroyed by the two largest wildfires, thePalisades and Eaton blazes, with the former burning 23,000 acres.
Reactions to the Sussexes’ efforts to assist fire survivors were mixed
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What do you think ?
Imnotgivingyoumyfullname 1 year ago
What the f***, Bored Panda? The headline does not match the story writen and is a major click bait. You're hiding behind some unknown celebrity's words to make your own opinion heard about Harry and Meghan. Nowhere do you state yourself, that the Suxesses were there WIHTOUT A CAMERA CREW. I'm so mad I made a Bored Panda account, just to post this comment.
Apatheist Account2 1 year ago
Not sure if they've changed the title since your post, but "Justine Bateman Criticizes Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Amid LA Fires" seems to fit with the text of "Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved,” the Violet director wrote on Sunday (January 12)."
Load More Replies...
Enuya 1 year ago (edited)
Woah,this website really is anti-Meghan recently, innit? Did they do it for publicity? Likely. Just like most of things that celebrities do. But at the same time, it didn't do any harm and likely helped some people. I mean, it's better to help "for publicity" than not helping at all and they at least try to be subtle about it.
Gozer LeGozerian 1 year ago
Good. It's time people woke up to their shenanigans.
Load More Replies... Margaret Shannon 1 year ago
Meghan and Harry are trying to help. They are using their fame to focus attention on people who need help and ways we can provide that care. They have opened their home to people and animals displaced by the fire. We don’t know about their private philanthropy, but I expect they have already donated money to a worthy cause. Miss Bateman doesn't like Harry and Meghan and will find some hateful statement to make no matter what the Sussexes do. It's not just rich people’s houses burning up—ordinary people are losing homes and jobs. Please, everyone, contribute even if it’s just a small amount. If we stay positive and work together we can do anything! Reliable noble causes may be found here: https://www.charitynavigator.org/discover-charities/where-to-give/palisades-fire-2025/
Gozer LeGozerian 1 year ago
No they aren't. They don't step out if there isn't some kind of PR opportunity or money to be made. Stop kidding yourself.
Load More Replies...
Tams21 1 year ago
Meghan and Harry are on the title of the story but are mentioned only a couple of times in the story. What's more, they've used the Daily Mail and Fox News, two news outlets with a very clear political agenda, as sources. I wish BP would just stick to art and pictures of cats, I don't think they're good at this stuff.
Jill 1 year ago
Who the flying fig newton gives a damn what Justine Bateman thinks? STFU! If the only thing you're remembered for is a show from 40 YEARS AGO and you go whining about some other celebrities, you tell me who's being an attention hog. Was Ms Bateman out there doing anything to help or was she just sitting back complaining? Was what Harry and Meghan did a PR stunt? Possibly but I'm not seeing it. They went there and did something to help, no matter how small their contribution was, at least they tried. The Sussexes can't win matter what they do. BP, get off your right wing horse and quit it with the needless bashing.
Gozer LeGozerian 1 year ago
Who gives a f what Ginge and Cringe from Sussex thinks?
Load More Replies...
PenguinQueen 1 year ago
This is rediculous. No matter what these two do, the media just loves to spin a negative narrative. How many other you tubers, celebs, public figures have gone down there to witness the horror of the fires?! Harry & Meghan are working to actually help their friends, community & wildlife. More than what others can say they have done, but because it is them - Haters love to hate.
Gozer LeGozerian 1 year ago
They should just go away like they promised but alas, here they are, trying to attention off of other people's misery, like they've done so many times before.
Load More Replies... Curry on... 1 year ago (edited)
Earlier, people around the internet were showing distain for celebrities who lost their homes. There was no sympathy for them. Now this. Someone trying to help. The hatred is palpable. You'd think Meghan had personally done something to all those who hate her. I bet they all came from the same "organization" and gleefully volunteered to read the scripts they were given. Who would they rather see help the victims? I wonder what they've done to help the victims. Justin Bateman's rage is vicious. She's reeking bitterness.
Gozer LeGozerian 1 year ago
Ginge and Cringe are not Trying to help. They were there for 15 minutes, giving hugs to people who turned out to be their own grew. Stop being naive to their agenda.
Load More Replies...
Pete Andrews 1 year ago
When you drive 100 miles from your home with your own security, camera crew and PR team, stick around for 17 minutes hugging a few people (members of your own team), dish out a few meals for the cameras and photos with a few officials and then disappear. That's not helping, thats a PR stunt.
ADDchallengedINFP-T 1 year ago
So, they should not help at all? What ever the reasons, they did help. Justine, did you?
Imnotgivingyoumyfullname 1 year ago
What the f***, Bored Panda? The headline does not match the story writen and is a major click bait. You're hiding behind some unknown celebrity's words to make your own opinion heard about Harry and Meghan. Nowhere do you state yourself, that the Suxesses were there WIHTOUT A CAMERA CREW. I'm so mad I made a Bored Panda account, just to post this comment.
Apatheist Account2 1 year ago
Not sure if they've changed the title since your post, but "Justine Bateman Criticizes Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Amid LA Fires" seems to fit with the text of "Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved,” the Violet director wrote on Sunday (January 12)."
Load More Replies... Enuya 1 year ago (edited)
Woah,this website really is anti-Meghan recently, innit? Did they do it for publicity? Likely. Just like most of things that celebrities do. But at the same time, it didn't do any harm and likely helped some people. I mean, it's better to help "for publicity" than not helping at all and they at least try to be subtle about it.
Gozer LeGozerian 1 year ago
Good. It's time people woke up to their shenanigans.
Load More Replies... Margaret Shannon 1 year ago
Meghan and Harry are trying to help. They are using their fame to focus attention on people who need help and ways we can provide that care. They have opened their home to people and animals displaced by the fire. We don’t know about their private philanthropy, but I expect they have already donated money to a worthy cause. Miss Bateman doesn't like Harry and Meghan and will find some hateful statement to make no matter what the Sussexes do. It's not just rich people’s houses burning up—ordinary people are losing homes and jobs. Please, everyone, contribute even if it’s just a small amount. If we stay positive and work together we can do anything! Reliable noble causes may be found here: https://www.charitynavigator.org/discover-charities/where-to-give/palisades-fire-2025/
Gozer LeGozerian 1 year ago
No they aren't. They don't step out if there isn't some kind of PR opportunity or money to be made. Stop kidding yourself.
Load More Replies... Tams21 1 year ago
Meghan and Harry are on the title of the story but are mentioned only a couple of times in the story. What's more, they've used the Daily Mail and Fox News, two news outlets with a very clear political agenda, as sources. I wish BP would just stick to art and pictures of cats, I don't think they're good at this stuff.
Jill 1 year ago
Who the flying fig newton gives a damn what Justine Bateman thinks? STFU! If the only thing you're remembered for is a show from 40 YEARS AGO and you go whining about some other celebrities, you tell me who's being an attention hog. Was Ms Bateman out there doing anything to help or was she just sitting back complaining? Was what Harry and Meghan did a PR stunt? Possibly but I'm not seeing it. They went there and did something to help, no matter how small their contribution was, at least they tried. The Sussexes can't win matter what they do. BP, get off your right wing horse and quit it with the needless bashing.
Gozer LeGozerian 1 year ago
Who gives a f what Ginge and Cringe from Sussex thinks?
Load More Replies... PenguinQueen 1 year ago
This is rediculous. No matter what these two do, the media just loves to spin a negative narrative. How many other you tubers, celebs, public figures have gone down there to witness the horror of the fires?! Harry & Meghan are working to actually help their friends, community & wildlife. More than what others can say they have done, but because it is them - Haters love to hate.
Gozer LeGozerian 1 year ago
They should just go away like they promised but alas, here they are, trying to attention off of other people's misery, like they've done so many times before.
Load More Replies... Curry on... 1 year ago (edited)
Earlier, people around the internet were showing distain for celebrities who lost their homes. There was no sympathy for them. Now this. Someone trying to help. The hatred is palpable. You'd think Meghan had personally done something to all those who hate her. I bet they all came from the same "organization" and gleefully volunteered to read the scripts they were given. Who would they rather see help the victims? I wonder what they've done to help the victims. Justin Bateman's rage is vicious. She's reeking bitterness.
Gozer LeGozerian 1 year ago
Ginge and Cringe are not Trying to help. They were there for 15 minutes, giving hugs to people who turned out to be their own grew. Stop being naive to their agenda.
Load More Replies... Pete Andrews 1 year ago
When you drive 100 miles from your home with your own security, camera crew and PR team, stick around for 17 minutes hugging a few people (members of your own team), dish out a few meals for the cameras and photos with a few officials and then disappear. That's not helping, thats a PR stunt.
ADDchallengedINFP-T 1 year ago
So, they should not help at all? What ever the reasons, they did help. Justine, did you?
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