Bateman, who has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ administration following the devastating wildfires, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her frustration. “Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers,” she wrote on Saturday evening. “What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved.”
She further criticized the couple, questioning their motives. “They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists,” Bateman added, referencing media footage of the couple’s visit to Pasadena.
Video footage captured by Fox 11 Los Angeles showed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meeting with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and interacting with wildfire victims. According to Fox News Digital, the couple also opened their home to friends and family forced to evacuate and donated clothing, children’s items, and other essentials to support the affected community.
While some social media users agreed with Bateman’s harsh assessment, others praised the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their philanthropic efforts. The divide highlights the ongoing public scrutiny the couple faces, even in their charitable endeavors.
Bateman’s criticism isn’t limited to Harry and Meghan. She has been equally vocal about her dissatisfaction with California officials and their handling of the wildfires. During an appearance on *Jesse Watters Primetime* on Friday, Bateman, who resides in the Hollywood Hills, expressed her frustration with the state of her city.
“If you’re going to run a city, or run a state, you have to take care of the basics. And that’s [to] make sure that your fire and police department[s] are well funded,” she said. “If you’re not doing everything you can to take care of those problems if they arise, then get out. You are useless to us.”
The wildfires in Southern California have caused significant devastation. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, three active fires are still burning in Los Angeles: the Palisades Fire (11% contained), the Eaton Fire (27% contained), and the Hurst Fire (89% contained). Over 12,300 structures have been destroyed, and as of Sunday afternoon, the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner reported 16 fatalities as a result of the fires.
A representative for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment regarding Bateman’s criticism.
The controversy surrounding Harry and Meghan’s wildfire relief efforts underscores the challenges they face in navigating their public image. While their intentions may have been charitable, the perception of their actions as a “photo op” has sparked debate.
As the wildfire crisis continues, the focus remains on supporting affected communities and holding officials accountable for their response. Whether Harry and Meghan’s involvement will be seen as genuine philanthropy or opportunistic remains a topic of discussion, particularly in the court of public opinion.
For now, the couple’s efforts have drawn both praise and criticism, highlighting the complexities of their post-royal life in the spotlight.
