Justine Bateman’s attack on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Los Angeles are ‘sad’: source

Actress Justine Bateman’s attack on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s meeting with Los Angeles fire victims has been described as “sad” by a source with knowledge of the visit.

The “Family Ties” actress, 58, took to Eaton in Pasadena, calling it a “disgusting ‘photo op'” and calling the couple disaster tourists.

“Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers,” Bateman wrote. “What a disgusting ‘photo shoot’ they pulled off.”

“Are they surveying the damage?” she asked in her rebroadcast of news footage showing the couple in Pasadena, California, a stone’s throw from Altadena, one of the communities hardest hit by the fires. “Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Damaged tourists.

However, a source with knowledge of Harry and Meghan’s visit to the Pasadena Convention Center and affected areas of Altadena told the Post that Bateman’s characterization of the events is simply false.

“Justine’s claims are not only sad, but they are also very misinformed,” the source told the Post. “They just arrived,” the source added, noting that the couple’s trip was meant to be an incognito visit.

Harry and Meghan were spotted Friday evening at the convention center after Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and California first lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom lured news crews to the venue, which was used as a venue for evacuation for victims of the Eaton fire.

A source previously told the Post that Friday’s visit was not a planned press event but rather an effort to make a meaningful difference in the community while trying to avoid causing disruption.

Harry and Meghan spent a lot of time volunteering before meeting with Mayor Gordo and Ms. Newsom, who offered to take them to some of the affected areas to help them understand the severity of the situation and discuss how they could further contribute to relief efforts.

Ahead of the visit, the Duke and Duchess made financial donations through their Archewell Foundation and donated physical items to help wildfire victims. The Post understands some of these items were personal items, including toys previously owned by Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet and clothing.

The Post has contacted a representative for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.

Meghan, 43, and Harry, 40, dressed casually for their day of volunteering, donning baseball caps as they tried to keep a low profile. The former “Suits” star and Los Angeles native opted for a blue LA Dodgers cap, while Harry chose a black “Cali” hat from Los Angeles-based brand James Perse.

Sources told the Post that the Duke and Duchess strived to be supportive and helpful both physically and emotionally without causing chaos.

After serving meals alongside volunteers from chef Jose Andrés’ World Central Kitchen (WCK), meeting with seniors and families affected by the crisis, speaking with first responders, and touring areas devastated by the fires, Meghan and Harry expressed their gratitude to all the teams. working tirelessly to support the community.

The Duke and Duchess have pledged further support for recovery and rebuilding efforts and have already planned additional visits to the community, sources told The Post.

Mayor Gordo congratulated Harry and Meghan during an interview with Fox 11.

“They didn’t come here to advertise; they came here to work,” Gordo said.

“We went to visit some families in the affected area and saw some of the affected areas for ourselves,” he added. “And then they wanted to go visit the first responders and thank them personally for their efforts to help our families and our neighbors.

“They really boosted the morale of the first responders.”

The Sussexes have posted resources on their website for those wanting to help wildfire victims and suggested those who are able to open their homes to loved ones and friends who have been evacuated.

The couple recently opened their sprawling $29.5 million Montecito mansion to their friends displaced by the Los Angeles fires.

As of Monday, the combined death toll from the Los Angeles fires that began last week stood at at least 24 people. Nearly 200,000 more people were displaced and 39,000 acres of land were burned.