Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced backlash, being labeled as 'insincere' and 'repulsive' for allegedly capitalizing on the L.A. fires as a 'photo opportunity.' Critics claim they are ready to take advantage of a disaster for their own self-promotion.
2025-04-10 05:28:08 By John Jones
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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
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make an Appearance at the Pasadena Convention Center After the Los Angeles 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 appeared genuinely delighted to spot the couple, hinting that their presence wasn’t motivated by self-promotion, contrary to the assumptions made by numerous critics online.
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"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 weren't here seeking attention; their goal was to make a difference," Gordo remarked, further stating, "After that, we visited several families affected by the situation to witness the impact in person."
Gordo wrapped up by saying, "So, they decided to visit the first responders to express their gratitude for the support they provided to our families and community."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Criticized 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.
"Bateman took to X the next day to express his disdain, stating, 'Meghan Markle and Harry are just like ambulance chasers,' and further remarked, 'What a distasteful 'photo opportunity' they managed to create.'"
Bateman proceeded to inquire whether the couple was "surveying the damage," then added, "Are they now acting like politicians? They don't reside here; they're just tourists. Disaster Tourists."
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Responses on Social Media
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."
"How ridiculous is this? It's unbelievable!" shouted a second commenter. "They don't have any royal status anymore. Can they just stay out of the public eye?" pleaded a third individual, while a fourth questioned, "What are they even doing just standing there chatting and posing? Do they ever take any real action?"
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Numerous individuals criticized them for offering little tangible assistance. "What did they really contribute apart from a few comforting embraces?" questioned one commenter. "Did they lend a hand in cooking or serving? While emotional support is valuable, taking action is crucial," remarked another. Meanwhile, another person agreed, inquiring: "Did they provide any donations? Did they bring water or food?"
"Did they bring their own camera? Why do they always seem to center everything around themselves? They’re practically unknown in the US and don’t deserve this kind of attention," criticized another user on X. "Seriously, this is so staged! What were they even doing there, trying to insert themselves among those who have lost everything?" questioned another frustrated user. "It’s so considerate of them to take pictures and videos during their brief visit. All just for show. So insincere," another user chimed in.
"This is truly appalling, and the fact that they tipped off the paparazzi reveals just how far they'll go for publicity and to promote Archewell. If they genuinely want to make a difference, as their motto suggests, they should do it quietly!" another person exclaimed. "They could have simply made a monetary or goods donation and walked away. Even volunteering would have been better, but this feels like nothing more than a way to capitalize on others' misfortunes for their own gain," another echoed.
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