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While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear to be doing their part amid the wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area, some people are calling the couple out for their actions.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have called California their home for the last nearly five years, were blasted by actress Justine Bateman, who accused them of using the fires as a “photo-op.”
After photos and video circulated of the royals visiting with victims on Friday, the Family Ties actress took to X to call out the pair.
“Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers,” Bateman wrote.
“What a repulsive ‘photo-op’ they achieved. They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now?” she continued.
“They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster tourists.”
Harry and Meghan joined a public appearance by Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, KTTV’s video showed, and helped distribute food and supplies to victims of the Eaton fire.
Some users agreed with Bateman, calling them “grief grifters” and a “despicable duo,” while others noted Meghan was born in L.A. and that it was “awesome that they want to be supportive and help out.”
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For her part, Bateman has taken to social media to express her anger and frustration with California officials, particularly L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, and her handling of the wildfires.
Sharing a video of Bass, who says she has “seen the devastation firsthand,” Bateman ripped the mayor, calling her “insane.”
“You have yet to step up in any way to confess your incredible irresponsibility to the city of Los Angeles,” the actress seethed.
“You appear to have assumed the mayor job was ceremonial, like the grand marshall of a parade.”
“I don’t know if these signatures will be filed with the city for a recall effort,” Bateman noted. “For that, I believe we need 199k signatures from Los Angeles city voters.”
At press time, the petition has more than 123,000 signatures.