The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been slammed as ‘disaster tourists’ by actress Justine Bateman after visiting those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires – but what do you think?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been branded ‘disaster tourists’ after they were spotted speaking to residents affected by the Los Angeles wildfires – and we want to hear your thoughts.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were snapped at an evacuation centre in California on Friday, where they comforted victims and volunteers, handed out food, and met with the city’s mayor Victor Gordo. They were also seen hugging José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK), which has been distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency crews in the wake of the wildfires.
It comes as the LA County medical examiner updated the death toll to 24 on Sunday, while at least another 16 are said to still be missing. According to the BBC, three conflagrations continue to burn around LA, with the largest in the Palisades, which has burnt through more than 23,000 acres and is 13% contained.
On Thursday, the Sussexes released a statement on their website, which read: “If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. Be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbours to see if they need help evacuating.
“Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and other essentials.” It has been reported that the pair donated supplies, including clothes and children’s items, to those affected by the devastating blaze.
Despite handing food parcels out at the Pasadena Convention Centre, actress Justine Bateman slammed the couple for a “repulsive photo op” in a blistering statement. Taking to X, she fumed: ” Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive “photo op” they achieved. They are “touring the damage”? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists.”
However, the mayor hailed the Sussexes as “great people” with “great personalities”, who were keen to provide any support they could. Mr Gordo added: “They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl and people were very happy to see them.”
It comes after the couple opened the doors to their $29million mansion in Montecito, which is around 90 miles from LA, to their friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate the ongoing wildfires.
Speaking to FOX, Mayor Gordo said: “They [Harry and Meghan] want to be as helpful as they can be and really they just want to be supportive.” He added that the couple visited some of the destroyed properties in Pasadena and Altadena and spoke to those who had lost their homes.
He also told reporters: “We were here earlier today and they were serving food, anonymously. No one knew they were serving food, with masks on. They didn’t come out here for publicity. They came out here to work.”
As the LA wildfires continue to blaze, we want to know if you think Harry and Meghan were right to visit victims of the disaster? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.
