According to insider reports, Meghan Markle has been deeply hurt by accusations leveled at her after she and Prince Harry aided residents of Los Angeles affected by devastating wildfires, per the Daily Express.
On January 10, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited an evacuation center and a food bank in L.A. Meghan, who grew up in Los Angeles, returned to her hometown—located about 90 miles from her current residence in Montecito—to participate in the efforts of a charity organization.
Additionally, the couple urged residents to open their homes to evacuees and check on their elderly or less mobile neighbors. They released a statement listing charitable foundations, fire departments, and animal rescue organizations to support those affected.
However, Meghan and Harry faced sharp criticism from Hollywood actress Justine Bateman, who called them “disaster tourists” and described their appearance in Los Angeles as a “repulsive photo-op”.
Also, under the Fox 11 Los Angeles YouTube video, some commenters suggested that Markle and her husband could not pass up another opportunity for self-promotion: “The Queen of drama has arrived,” “She’s trying to boost ratings for her upcoming Netflix show,” “Hello, peasants, here’s a hug,” and “Meanwhile, Taylor Swift donated $10 million.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Eaton Fire victims
Even more negativity was directed at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on X (formerly Twitter): “Grief Grifters Prince Harry & Meghan Markle SOLD their photos to multiple media outlets including TMZ,” “Will Harry & Meghan be donating the money they have made off these photos to the victims?”
Insiders claim that the accusations have been a painful blow for Meghan. A source told Heat magazine that the Duchess feels unfairly undervalued despite her genuine desire to help:
“For Meghan, this is particularly painful. Her hometown is on fire, and she wants to support people, but she continues to face humiliation even in such a situation. Harry is trying to comfort her, telling her to stay dignified and ignore the attacks. But, of course, it’s not easy for either of them.”
According to the source, Meghan and Harry are “shocked and outraged” by the negative reaction to their efforts. They feel they have been met with blatant injustice:
“No matter what they do, they are constantly accused. Haters will always find a reason to criticize. They are being called opportunists simply for trying to help during a tough time. It leaves them baffled and deeply disappointed.”
The insider added that it is difficult for them to remain indifferent to such levels of negativity:
“They understand that to some people, they will always be at fault. But seeing their sincere desire to help turned into a subject of mockery is incredibly painful.”
Meghan is particularly affected by the disaster, which has already claimed 27 lives and destroyed more than 14,000 buildings.
“For her, this is a personal tragedy. She’s a Californian, and everything that’s happening deeply wounds her. She and Harry are deeply concerned about the people and their beloved city.
However, they are determined not to give up and actively work to ensure their foundation can contribute to recovery efforts. Their emotional involvement in the situation is immense, as the suffering of this city has become their shared pain,” the source shared.
