Prince Harry And Meghan Reportedly 'Offended' After Being Blasted As 'Disaster Tourists'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were reportedly "offended" by actress Justine Bateman's harsh comments after she accused them of using the Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts for a "photo op."

The royal couple has been seen distributing food and supporting victims at an evacuation center. They even released a statement urging people to help those displaced by the wildfires.

Meghan Markle, in particular, also delayed the release of her Netflix show, "With Love, Meghan," to focus on the wildfire crisis.

Harry and Meghan are reportedly displeased by actress Bateman's harsh remarks about their involvement in helping with the Los Angeles wildfires.

Taking to X to express her disdain, Bateman accused the former working royals of being "ambulance chasers" after footage surfaced showing them in casual attire speaking with victims and volunteers.

She suggested they were only there for a "photo op," writing, "What a repulsive 'photo op' they achieved. They are 'touring the damage'? Are they politicians now? They don't live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists."

According to sources speaking to PageSix, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex found these comments deeply "offensive."

Meghan, in particular, was reportedly "heartbroken" by the criticism, especially given her strong connection to LA, having grown up in the area.

The insider shared, "It's offensive to Meghan and Harry that anybody would think this is merely a photo opportunity. Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles so this is, and always will be, home to her."

The source further emphasized that Meghan, 43, is "not just a tourist," adding that her "heart is completely broken for all the lives that have been lost and for those whose homes have been 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 impacted by the devastating wildfires at the Pasadena Convention Center, which has been converted into an evacuation center.

They were also photographed embracing José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, an organization providing hot meals to the public and emergency responders in the aftermath of the fires.

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

Speaking to FOX LA, Mayor Gordo praised Harry and Meghan's efforts. He said, "They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as they can be, and really they just want to be supportive."

The mayor also shared that the couple had visited burned-out homes in Pasadena and Altadena, meeting with those who had lost everything.

"They took the time to meet the people who were affected and spend time. They are just very caring people who are very concerned for their friends and neighbors," Gordo added.

Additionally, through their 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 their official Sussex.com website expressing their concern over the wildfires that have wreaked havoc across Southern California.

"In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life," they wrote.

Acknowledging the state of emergency, they encouraged others to help and provided links to organizations assisting with relief efforts, including The American Red Cross.

"Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children's toys and clothing and other essentials," they added.

Bateman's public criticism followed Meghan's announcement that she was delaying the release of her new Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," due to the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles.

Initially scheduled for release on January 15, the show will now debut on March 4.

In a statement issued on Sunday, just days before the series was set to air, the Duchess of Sussex expressed gratitude for Netflix's understanding and support.

According to People Magazine, she said, "I'm thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of Califonia."