Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are being slammed yet again. And this time, they’re being accused by many people on social media for using the devastating Los Angeles fires as a photo op.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Pasadena Convention Center, which has been converted into an evacuation site and meal distribution center for people affected by the fires, on Friday, January 10th. But unfortunately, they were slammed by many, many people for being there due to seemingly constantly being in front of the cameras. Keep reading for more details…
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, visited the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday, where evacuees of the Eaton Fire are sheltering. Celebrity chefs José Andrés of World Central Kitchen and Roy Choi were also on hand serving meals. pic.twitter.com/op4jP2xgAg
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 11, 2025
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Visit The Pasadena Convention Center Following LA Fires
According to reports, the parents-of-two met with the city’s mayor, Victor Gordo, as well as residents, volunteers from World Central Kitchen (WCK), including WCK founder Jose Andres, and first responders during their visit.
The 43-year-old former Suits actress was wearing a casual light-blue button down and dark jeans, finished off with a blue “LA” baseball cap, with video footage showing her consoling some of the victims of the fire.
Gordo was seemingly very happy to see the couple there, and seemed to suggest that they did *not* do it for self-promotion as many critics on social media thought.
"This is their second visit today. We were here earlier today and they were serving food, anonymously. No one knew they were serving food, with masks on," Gordo said, according to Sky News.
"They didn't come out here for publicity. They came out here to work," Gordo continued, adding: "Then we went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view first-hand some of the impacted area."
Gordo concluded: "Then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and our neighbors."
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Slammed As 'Ambulance Chasers' And 'Disaster Tourists'
Family Ties star Justine Bateman didn't seem to buy it though, and took to social media to voice her opinions on the Spare author and Meghan's visit. And to say she was unimpressed would be a huge understatement.
"Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers," Bateman wrote on X the following day, adding: "What a repulsive 'photo op' they achieved."
Bateman went on to ask if the couple were "touring the damage," before going on to say: "Are they politicians now? They don't live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists."
Social Media Reactions
Bateman wasn't the only one who had this opinion, of course, as countless other people flocked to social media to slam the couple, calling them "fake" and "disgusting" among many other negative things.
"Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, always willing to exploit a tragedy to promote themselves. It's disgusting," wrote one disgruntled person on X. The same user went on to say that "they offer nothing," adding: "The cosplay royals represent nothing but their own greed. I'm sure Meghan is also panicking that her show and triumphant return will be wrecked by Mother Nature."
"It's so repulsive it's insane!" exclaimed a second user. "They are not royals anywhere. Can they please leave the public alone?" begged a third, as a fourth asked: "Why are they just standing around talking and posing? Do they ever actually do anything?"
Many others accused them of not actually providing much help. "What did they donate beyond a few hugs?" asked another user. "Did they actually help cook and serve? It's great to be supportive, but helping is important," noted another, as someone else concurred, asking: "Did they donate? Bring water or meals?"
"Did they hire their own camera? Why do they make things all about themselves? They are nobodies in the US and just don't warrant the attention," slammed another X user. "OMG so fake! What were they doing there, inserting themselves into a group of people who have lost everything?" asked another angry user. "So nice of them to pose for pics and videos in their short visit. All for publicity. So fake," agreed another.
"This is honestly so distasteful and to also tip off the paps shows you how low they will go to be seen and plug Archewell. If they want to show up and do good, their motto, then do it without fanfare!" exclaimed another. "They could have donated money or goods and left it at that. Or even volunteered but this is just nothing but exploiting people's tragedy for their brand," echoed another.
