Actress and producer Justine Bateman has criticized Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's involvement in California wildfire relief efforts, calling their appearance at an evacuation center a "repulsive photo op." Bateman, known for her role in the sitcom "Family Ties," expressed her disapproval on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the couple of being "disaster tourists."
Bateman questioned their motives, asking if they were now politicians and pointing out that they don't reside in the affected area. She reposted media footage of the couple speaking with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and other officials on Friday. This visit followed reports that Harry and Markle had provided support to displaced individuals by opening their home and donating essential items.
Bateman's criticism garnered both support and opposition online, with some praising her candor and others commending the royal couple's philanthropic efforts. This incident follows Bateman's public expression of frustration with California officials and their handling of the wildfires, particularly concerning the funding of fire and police departments. As of Sunday afternoon, the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner reported 16 fatalities due to the ongoing fires, and over 12,300 structures have been destroyed.
