Justine Bateman calls Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘Disaster Tourists’ during their visit to the victims of the California Los Angeles Wildfires

The British Royals, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face criticism on social media for allegedly using the California Los Angeles wildfires as an opportunity for a publicity stunt. The couple made an appearance at an evacuation center to assist with the relief. On January 10, 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, arrived at the Pasadena Convention Centre and collaborated with José Andrés' World Central Kitchen to provide the meal. However, these gestures became suggestive and a topic of online debate, especially when the videos and photos of Meghan hugging a woman surfaced on the internet.

Justine Bateman, an American filmmaker and writer blasted a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying, “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. #PalisadesFire,” she further added, suggesting all the videos and pictures were just ‘PR’, and called them ‘Disaster Tourists’. Many critics and netizens agreed with her statement, while some even claimed the woman in the video was Meghan’s staff and they left together as soon as the video was taken. British Journalist, Neil Sean advanced the controversy by claiming to the USA media outlets that he saw the camera crew.

While some were critical of the couple, few of the comments supported Markle stating that her actions were kind and felt like she genuinely cared for the victims of the wildfires. According to Sheknows, Bateman received a backlash, where one of the users wrote, “But what of it though? Why does it bother you so much? You’re not there. You don’t know what they’re there for, what they’ve contributed. I’m more confused as to why this is your business.” While another user wrote, “You’re aware she was born and raised in LA, right?”