A high-profile visit by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to California’s wildfire evacuation centers has sparked intense debate, with actress Justine Bateman leading criticism of what she termed “disaster tourism” amid one of the state’s most devastating fire seasons.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were filmed Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Pasadena Convention Center evacuation site, where they met with Mayor Victor Gordo and surveyed damage from the Eaton fire. During their visit, cameras captured the couple embracing World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés and examining destroyed properties alongside emergency response teams.
“Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers,” Bateman, 58, wrote on X. ”What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved.” The “Family Ties” and “Arrested Development” actress escalated her criticism, posting, “They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists.”
The wildfires have devastated Southern California communities, with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reporting three active blazes: the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, and the Hurst Fire. More than 12,300 structures have been destroyed, and the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner has confirmed 25 fatalities.
Through their Archewell Foundation, the Sussexes have substantially contributed to relief efforts, including clothing donations, children’s items, and essential supplies. The couple also opened their Montecito mansion to friends forced to evacuate their homes. Meghan has additionally postponed the release of her Netflix show “With Love, Meghan” to focus on supporting fire victims.
The controversy extends beyond the royal couple’s involvement. Bateman, speaking to Jesse Watters on Friday, expressed broader frustration with California officials’ handling of the wildfires. “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 stated. “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.”
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo offered a different perspective, praising the couple’s visit and noting their interactions with first responders and affected residents. He said they met with families in the burned areas of Pasadena and Altadena and also stopped at the command post at the Rose Bowl, where their presence was well-received. According to Gordo, the couple had earlier served food while wearing masks at the center without announcing their presence. The mayor emphasized that their visit was focused on helping rather than publicity.
Royal commentator Afua Hagan provided a broader context, noting that other members of the Royal Family have conducted similar charitable visits without facing comparable criticism. The Sussexes have announced plans for additional visits to support ongoing recovery efforts and have issued a call to action urging others to donate essential items to those affected by the fires.
The Duke and Duchess’s representatives confirmed they have made financial contributions through their foundation and plan to continue supporting long-term recovery efforts in the region. Sources indicate they have been working with local organizations to identify the most pressing needs of affected communities and coordinate relief efforts accordingly.
Public reaction has been mixed in the wake of their visit, with some social media users echoing Bateman’s criticism while others have praised the couple’s philanthropic efforts. The debate has highlighted ongoing questions about celebrity involvement in disaster relief and the role of public figures in crisis response.