Prince Harry and Meghan Markle defended as Hollywood star unleashes savage rant against 'disaster' pair following LA wildfires
They have been volunteering to help those affected by the firesIn the latest Meghan Markle and Prince Harry news, the pair have been defended after a Hollywood star unleashed a savage rant on them.
Since the LA wildfires tore apart homes and towns, Meghan and Harry, 40, have been doing their part to help those in need. From making appearances at charity events to being hailed by victims, they have really stepped up.
But there are still some people who feel the pair are using it to their advantage. Filmmaker Justine Bateman spoke to TV host Piers Morgan about her true thoughts – and why she believes the couple are “disaster tourists”.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry slammed by Justine Bateman over LA wildfires
On Meghan, 43, and Prince Harry‘s behalf, a statement was given to Page Six in response to Justine’s comments.
Piers read: “It’s offensive to Meghan and Harry that anyone would think this is merely a photo op. Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles so this is and always will be home to her.
“Her heart is completely broken for all the lives that have been lost and those whose homes have been destroyed. They have also dedicated countless hours of volunteering long before the media even knew.”
“I don’t know why they were walking over possible human remains.”
Filmmaker Justine Bateman tells Piers Morgan why she thinks Harry and Meghan are ‘disaster tourists’ after they visited victims of the LA wildfires.
📺 https://t.co/mnncKBm0X3@piersmorgan | @JustineBateman pic.twitter.com/iFCG4sXBkZ
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) January 22, 2025
When Piers asked Justine, 58, what she thinks about that, the Hollywood filmmaker didn’t hold anything back.
She said: “I don’t know who these people are. I don’t know why they were walking all over possible human remains, there was people missing in the ashes.”
The whole thing is really so out of place. It’s so ridiculous and so tone deaf.
Justine continued: “I don’t know why it was this official tour. The whole thing is really so out of place. It’s so ridiculous and so tone deaf.”
And she went on to confirm she still believes they are “disaster tourists” but that she wants to focus on the “important” things from the fire. To her this is helping “the people” affected.
Harry and Meghan defended by fans over wildfires help
But her rant didn’t go down well with everyone, as many flocked to the comments to praise Meghan and Harry for doing what they can. They also expressed the view that those who have the ability to help should – without backlash.
One wrote on X: “Out of place? Wow. A punch to the gut for everyone involved. They were just trying to help.”
Another asked: “There are many other celebs posting about helping. Why are you only attacking these two?”
A third hit back: “Focus on real issues. Not people trying to help.”
Kelly Osbourne hit out at ‘photo ops’
It comes after Kelly Osbourne hit out at celebrities using the fires as photo-ops.
And in a now-deleted Instagram video she ranted her annoyance. She said: “Is it just me being my normal overthinking cynical self, or is it really disturbing to see all of these celebrities using other people’s pain and suffering as a photo op?”
Who is Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex?
Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in California, United States. She is currently 43 years old. She had a career in acting before marrying into the royal family in 2018.
What did Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex do before joining the monarchy?
Former actress Meghan had a string of acting roles before she met Prince Harry, most famously playing the role of Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits.
Her acting career began at Northwestern University.
The duchess also wrote a lifestyle blog named The Tig and became heavily involved in charity work - which has continued since she met Harry.
Marrying Prince Harry
Meghan married into the royal family on May 19, 2018, when she and Prince Harry tied the knot at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Just a few months after their wedding, Meghan and Harry announced they were expecting their first child. They welcomed Prince Archie on May 6, 2019.
Two years later on June 4, 2021, the couple welcomed a daughter named Princess Lilibet. She was named after the late Queen Elizabeth II - whose nickname was Lilibet.
Months after welcoming son Archie, Prince Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping down from their senior royal roles within the royal family. They then moved to the United States and have lived there since.
Meghan has made a return to the entertainment world, launching projects with Netflix alongside Harry. In January 2025, she announced a lifestyle show named With Love, Meghan, which will see her giving cooking and gardening tips to viewers alongside a host of celebrity guests. It will premiere on March 4, 2025.
However, she went on to explain that “nobody” asked them to “come and give hugs”. It wasn’t quick before her followers made the connection to Meghan and Harry’s latest volunteering outing.
Read more: Prince Harry’s court settlement would make Diana ‘proud’ says brother
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