BREAKING: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle slammed by Justine Bateman for being ‘disaster tourists’ amid California fires

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to California wildfire evacuation sites has sparked a heated debate, with actress Justine Bateman accusing the couple of being “disaster tourists.” The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were seen in Pasadena, distributing food and meeting with local officials, including Mayor Victor Gordo, to show support for victims and first responders. While their efforts included donations and hosting displaced individuals, Bateman criticized the visit as a “repulsive photo op” and likened them to “ambulance chasers”

Bateman’s critique resonated with some on social media, who questioned the couple’s motives and labeled their actions insincere. Detractors also pointed out that they appeared briefly on-site, allegedly accompanied by a film crew. However, others praised their involvement, noting their engagement with relief efforts and their ongoing charitable work through the Archewell Foundation

The incident reflects broader tensions around celebrity involvement in humanitarian crises, where intentions are often scrutinized. While some view such visits as meaningful gestures of solidarity, others perceive them as opportunistic attempts to garner publicity. Harry and Meghan’s team has yet to respond to the controversy.