Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are being slammed as “disaster tourists” by the former Family Ties star Justine Bateman.
The couple had gone out on Friday to hand out food packages to survivors of the devastating California wildfires in the LA area, where Markle is from. Is it a case of no good deed goes unpunished? Let’s take a look.
Bateman Rips Meghan And Harry
“Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers,” Bateman, 58, wrote on social media. “What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved. They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now?”
Well, sort of. They are royals, after all.
“They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists,” she added.
Meghan, 43, and Harry, 40, do indeed live in Montecito, a town about 90 miles northwest of LA which has thankfully not been impacted by the wildfires at the time of this writing.
Meghan And Harry Fire Back
A source close to Meghan and Harry has since fired back by saying that they are offended by Bateman’s comments.
“It’s offensive to Meghan and Harry that anybody would think this is merely a photo opportunity,” the insider told Page Six.
“Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles so this is, and always will be, home to her,” the source continued, adding that Meghan is “not just a tourist” and “her heart is completely broken for all the lives that have been lost and for those whose homes have been destroyed in these fires.”
According to this insider, Meghan and Harry “invested significant time and resources, they have donated money and essential items.”
“They have also dedicated countless hours to volunteering, long before the media even caught wind of their involvement,” the source concluded.
If true, that’s a great and selfless thing they’ve done. The people of California are going to need as much help as they can get.
Related: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Sound The Alarm As Wildfires Near Their Mansion – ‘State Of Emergency…’
Meghan And Harry Visit Pasadena
This comes after Meghan and Harry were seen in Pasadena on Friday. They mingled with volunteers and the city’s mayor, Victor Gordo.
“It’s great people, great personalities and great heart for them to come out here and meet with the first responders, meet with the people who were affected,” Gordo told FOX 11. “It’s very important.”
Gordo went on to say that Meghan and Harry “really buoyed the spirits of the first responders” during their visit.
“They want to be as helpful as they can be … we visited with some of the affected families in some of the burned-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena,” he said of the royal couple. “They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. They’re just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbors.”
Watch:
Related: Meghan Markle Blasted For Delaying Netflix Series Due To LA Wildfires
Meghan And Harry Address Wildfires
Meghan and Harry had previously addressed the wildfires in a lengthy statement.
“In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life,” they said in a statement obtained by Daily Mail. “A state of emergency has been issued. If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources and ideas.”
Meghan and Harry went on to urge anyone who can do so to “open their home” to those impacted by the wildfires. They also called on their fans to make donations to the American Red Cross.
“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,” they continued. “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 & clothing, and other essentials,” Meghan and Harry added. “The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”
Please join us in saying a prayer for all those who continue to be impacted by these devastating wildfires.
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