Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently visited an LA food bank in a wildfire-stricken area, but their appearance drew sharp criticism from celebrities James Woods and Justine Bateman.
As Los Angeles grappled with devastating wildfires, the couple, donning baseball caps, appeared at the site. Critics alleged that their visit was more about seeking a photo opportunity than offering genuine support amidst the surrounding chaos. Actress Justine Bateman was one of the most vocal critics, calling their visit a "repulsive photo op." She expressed her disdain on X (formerly known as Twitter), accusing the couple of acting like "ambulance chasers touring the damage."
Bateman sarcastically questioned their intentions, asking if Harry and Meghan were now "politicians or disaster tourists," underscoring her belief that their presence was inappropriate and performative.
Actor James Woods, known for his sharp wit, also weighed in. Having just returned to his Pacific Palisades home, which miraculously survived the fires, Woods shared his relief online but couldn’t resist taking a jab at the royal couple. Retweeting a post mocking Harry and Meghan, he sarcastically captioned it, "First laugh I’ve had all week," poking fun at their perceived need for attention amid a life-or-death crisis.
Social media erupted in response, with users offering a mix of biting critiques and humorous commentary. One commenter labeled Meghan a "malignant narcissist," accusing her of showing no genuine concern for others and suggesting that she brought a camera crew purely for publicity. Another questioned the authenticity of their visit, suggesting it might be part of a new Netflix project. Others ridiculed their lack of practical contributions, such as bringing extra vehicles for evacuation efforts, calling their presence in the area performative rather than productive.
The satire didn’t end with individual comments. The Babylon Bee, a well-known satirical website, joined the fray with an article titled, "Los Angeles Saved After Meghan Markle Arrives to Stand Around Wearing a Baseball Cap." The piece humorously claimed that Markle’s mere presence had saved the city, and residents were reportedly relieved knowing the fires would no longer pose a threat. The article even joked that Los Angeles awarded Markle the key to the city and planned to build a monument in her honor, quipping, “Who needs firefighters when you’ve got Meghan Markle?”
Criticism of Harry and Meghan has been mounting, with many suggesting that their once-glowing reputation is rapidly dimming. What was initially perceived as royal charm has increasingly been labeled as "royal cringe." Public sentiment appears to be shifting, with people growing weary of what they see as performative gestures disconnected from the communities they claim to support. One local sarcastically remarked, "Why waste time with grifters on someone else’s property instead of taking care of your own residence?"
In the end, the couple’s presence at disaster zones is becoming a polarizing spectacle. While some may defend their intentions, the broader narrative suggests that many view their actions as tone-deaf and opportunistic, further alienating them from the public they aim to win over.
