Home Australia Family Ties star Justine Bateman labels Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘disaster tourists’ and says their appearance at a food bank to meet with LA fire victims was a ‘photo op’

Family Ties star Justine Bateman labels Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘disaster tourists’ and says their appearance at a food bank to meet with LA fire victims was a ‘photo op’

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Justine Bateman, 58, took to X/Twitter to criticize the couple who were seen in the footage dressed in civilian clothes and talking to other aides. Bateman wrote:

Justine Bateman branded Meghan Markle and Prince Harry “disaster tourists” after they turned up to volunteer during the Los Angeles wildfires.

The Hollywood actress, 58, took to X/Twitter to criticize the couple after they were seen in pictures dressed in plain clothes and speaking to victims and other helpers.

The former working royals were seen on video at an evacuation centre, just hours before it was confirmed the death toll from the fires had risen to 24.

Bateman wrote online: ‘Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers.

‘What a repulsive “photograph” they achieved. Are they “scouring the damage”? Are they politicians now?

‘They don’t live here; They are tourists. Disaster tourists.’

Video captured by Fox 11 Los Angeles showed Harry and Meghan in Pasadena on Friday, mingling with volunteers and the city’s mayor, Victor Gordo.

But the couple was willing to provide whatever support they could, according to the mayor, saying they were “great people” with “great personalities.”

“They really cheered up the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl and people were very happy to see them,” Gordo added.

Justine Bateman, 58, took to X/Twitter to criticize the couple who were seen in the footage dressed in civilian clothes and talking to other aides. Bateman wrote: “Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers”

Meghan Markle was seen comforting victims and first responders at an evacuation center on Friday amid the ongoing fires in Los Angeles.

Meghan Markle was seen comforting victims and first responders at an evacuation center on Friday amid the ongoing fires in Los Angeles.

Meghan Markle speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo (center) and Doug Goodwin, whose home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena.

Meghan Markle speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo (center) and Doug Goodwin, whose home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena.

Flames near Mandeville Canyon on January 11

Flames near Mandeville Canyon on January 11

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been handing out food packages to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Center. which is used as an evacuation center.

The couple was also seen hugging José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which distributes free hot meals to the public and emergency responders in the wake of the wildfires.

The interaction was broadcast live on FOX LA, and news anchor Susan Hirasuna was criticized online for describing Meghan as “Princess Markle.”

He also received criticism for saying Meghan was “hanging out with commoners.”

It comes after the couple opened the doors of their $29 million mansion in Montecito, which is about 90 miles from Los Angeles, to their friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate due to wildfires in course.

Speaking to FOX LA, Mayor Gordo said: “They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as possible and they really just want to be supportive.”

He added that the couple visited some of the burned homes in Pasadena and Altadena and spoke with those who had lost their homes.

Meghan Markle, who was described as Princess Markle by a FOX LA anchor, was seen comforting wildfire victims at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday.

Meghan Markle, who was described as Princess Markle by a FOX LA anchor, was seen comforting wildfire victims at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday.

1736736041 555 Family Ties star Justine Bateman labels Meghan Markle and Prince

Meghan and Harry photographed with other volunteers after helping victims of the Los Angeles wildfires

Meghan and Harry photographed with other volunteers after helping victims of the Los Angeles wildfires

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been handing out food packages to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Center, which is being used as an evacuation center.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been handing out food packages to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Center, which is being used as an evacuation center.

‘They took the time to meet the people affected and spend time. “They are very affectionate people and concerned about their friends and neighbors,” Gordo said.

The fires that have ravaged the city have killed 24 people and burned nearly 14,000 acres.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner released a list of deaths without giving details of identities. Eight of the dead were found in the Palisades Fire area and 16 in the Eaton Fire area, according to the document.

Between 4,000 and 5,000 structures have also been damaged or destroyed, including the homes of Hollywood celebrities.

US President Joe Biden has chillingly predicted the death toll is likely to rise after describing the terrifying situation as “like a war scene”.

Bateman’s public criticism comes after Meghan revealed yesterday that she was bringing up the release date of her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, due to the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles.

The show was scheduled to launch on January 15, but has now been moved to March 4.

A statement issued by the Duchess of Sussex on Sunday, three days before the series’ scheduled debut, read: “I am grateful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, while we focus on the needs of those affected.” because of the wildfires in my home state of California.’

Flames engulf a structure as the Eaton Fire burns in Pasadena on January 7

Flames engulf a structure as the Eaton Fire burns in Pasadena on January 7

Meghan is seen comforting José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, as they made an appearance at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday.

Meghan is seen comforting José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, as they made an appearance at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle speak with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle speak with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo

Meghan Markle delayed the release of her new Netflix show until March 4 due to the Los Angeles wildfires

Meghan Markle delayed the release of her new Netflix show until March 4 due to the Los Angeles wildfires

With Love, Meghan reportedly includes tributes to the California-based royal’s home state and her personal ties to it.

PR experts recently questioned the timing of the launch of Meghan’s cooking show on Netflix and said it should be postponed amid the bushfires.

They suggested airing it now could appear “insensitive” and “tone deaf” and cause a fierce backlash against the royal couple.

Nick Ede, UK brand and culture expert told MailOnline: “I think Netflix bosses will have to make big decisions about whether to air With Love, Meghan next week.”

“Since the show is so focused on life in California, Los Angeles and Montecito, providing a glimpse into an aspirational and inspiring life, I suspect it will be pulled from its current programming and delayed by at least a few months.”

A description of the series on Tudum’s website read: ‘Produced by Meghan, With Love, Meghan combines practical instruction and heartfelt conversations with friends, new and old.

‘Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing joy over perfection, and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected.

“She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, garden and beyond, and invite you to do the same.”

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