Meghan Markle is said to have been ‘offended’ after being called a ‘disaster tourist’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle She was reportedly “offended” by the actress Justin BatemanCruel comments after she accused them of exploiting Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts for a ‘photo op’.

The royal couple were seen distributing food and supporting victims at the evacuation centre. They even issued a statement urging people to help those displaced by the bushfires.

Meghan Markle, in particular, has also delayed the release of her Netflix show “With Love, Meghan” to focus on the bushfire crisis.

Harry and Meghan are said to be upset by actress Bateman’s harsh comments about their involvement in helping with the Los Angeles wildfires.

Bateman took to X to express her disdain, accusing the former working royals of being “ambulance chasers” after footage emerged showing them in casual clothing speaking to victims and volunteers.

She suggested they were there just to “take photographs”, writing: “What a disgusting ‘photo op’ they have made. They are ‘walking through the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists.” Disaster tourists.”

According to sources I spoke PageSixThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex found these comments extremely “offensive”.

Meghan, in particular, was reportedly “deeply distressed” by the criticism, especially given her strong connection to Los Angeles, having grown up in the area.

“It’s insulting to Meghan and Harry that anyone would think this is just a photo opportunity. Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles, so this is her home and always will be,” the insider shared.

The source also stressed that Meghan (43 years old) is “not just a tourist,” adding that “her heart is completely broken for all the lives lost and for those whose homes were destroyed in these fires.”

Harry and Meghan, who live in Montecito near Santa Barbara, about 90 miles from Los Angeles, were seen on Friday distributing food parcels to those affected by the devastating wildfires at the Pasadena Convention Center, which has been converted into an evacuation center.

They were also photographed hugging José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, an organization that provides hot meals to the public and emergency responders in the wake of the fires.

Footage from Fox 11 Los Angeles showed the couple in Pasadena, where they interacted with volunteers and met with the city’s mayor, Victor Gordo.

Speaking to FOX LA, Mayor Gordo praised Harry and Meghan’s efforts. “They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as possible, and they really just want to be supportive,” he said.

The mayor also noted that the couple visited burned homes in Pasadena and Altadena and met with those who lost everything.

“They took the time to meet the people affected and spend time. They’re just people who really care about their friends and neighbors,” Gordo added.

Additionally, through the Archewell Foundation, Harry and Meghan have made significant financial contributions and remain committed to supporting ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.

They also plan to make additional visits in the future. On Thursday, January 9, the couple posted a statement on the official Sussex.com website expressing their concern about the wildfires that have caused devastation across Southern California.

“In the past few days, Southern California wildfires have torn through neighborhoods, destroying families, homes, schools, medical care centers and more — impacting tens of thousands from all walks of life,” they wrote.

In recognition of the emergency, they encouraged others to help and provided links to organizations helping with relief efforts, including the American Red Cross.

They added: “Some families and people have nothing left. Please consider donating clothes, children’s toys, clothing and other necessities.”

Bateman’s public criticism came after Meghan announced that the release of her new Netflix series “With Love, Meghan” had been postponed due to the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles.

The show was initially scheduled to launch on January 15, and will now begin on March 4.

In a statement issued on Sunday, just days before the series aired, the Duchess of Sussex expressed her gratitude for Netflix’s understanding and support.

according to People magazine“I am grateful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those affected by the wildfires in my home state of California,” she said.