Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have recently come under intense criticism for their actions during the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The couple was photographed visiting the Pasadena Community Center, where they were seen embracing victims and assisting volunteers in the aftermath of the fires. While their intention appeared to be one of solidarity and support, many have accused the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of using the crisis as a “publicity stunt.” Actress Justine Bateman, in particular, took to social media to label the visit a “distasteful photo op” and referred to the couple as “disaster tourists,” implying they were capitalizing on the tragedy for public relations purposes.
The wildfires, which have ravaged areas near the Sussexes’ own home in Montecito, California, have had a profound impact on local communities, destroying homes and leaving many families displaced. In the wake of the crisis, Meghan Markle also made the decision to postpone the premiere of her highly anticipated Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, a move that sparked further criticism. Some critics labeled the delay as “attention-seeking,” arguing that it was an effort to draw more focus to her and her family’s own situation amidst the natural disaster.
In addition to the backlash surrounding their wildfire involvement, Prince Harry and Meghan have drawn further controversy with a strong statement issued on their official website. In the statement, the couple condemned Meta, the parent company of Facebook, for loosening content moderation policies and discontinuing third-party fact-checking. They accused the social media giant of enabling online abuse, misinformation, and hate speech. The statement prompted an online debate, with some supporting their stance on tackling online harm, while others criticized the couple for speaking out on an issue that some saw as unrelated to their role as public figures.
This series of events has added to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Sussexes, with many questioning their motivations and actions. Despite the backlash, Harry and Meghan remain outspoken about the issues they care about, continuing to spark debate and conversation across the globe.