Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are 'offended' by Justine Bateman's claims that they were only helping out in the LA wildfires for a 'photo op' as they are 'disaster tourists'
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle feel 'offended' following Justine Bateman's disparaging comments about their efforts to help with the Los Angeles wildfires, it has been reported. The couple, who live 90 miles away from the Californian city in Montecito near Santa Barbara, were spotted on Friday handing out food packages and speaking to survivors of the wildfires.
![[Bateman, 58, took to X/Twitter to blast the couple who were seen in footage dressed in plain clothes and speaking with other helpers. Bateman wrote: 'Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/13/00/92144833-0-Just_days_after_Trump_was_formally_crowned_the_next_commander_in-a-49_1736728846985.jpg)
But Hollywood actress Bateman, 58, took to X/Twitter to blast the couple as 'disaster tourists' after they were spotted in footage dressed in plain clothes and speaking with victims and other helpers - and said they were only there for a 'photo op'. Now, sources have told PageSix that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex find her comments 'offensive' and Meghan's heart is 'broken' due to her close ties with LA, including growing up in the area.
![[Meghan Markle was spotted comforting victims and first responders at an evacuation centre, on Friday amid the ongoing fires in LA]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/14/08/93987005-14281783-Meghan_Markle_was_spotted_comforting_victims_and_first_responder-a-16_1736845074853.jpg)
The source told the outlet: '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.'. They added that Meghan, 43, is 'not just a tourist', and 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'.
![[Meghan and Harry pictured with other volunteers after helping LA wildfire victims]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/14/08/94067967-14281783-image-a-15_1736845052893.jpg)
The former working royals were spotted in a clip out and about at an evacuation centre - just hours before it was confirmed the death toll of the blazes had climbed to 24. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly find Justine Bateman's disparaging claims about them 'offensive'. Pictured volunteering at the LA wildfires.
![[Meghan Markle speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, center, and Doug Goodwin, who's home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/13/00/93986103-0-Meghan_Markle_speaks_with_Pasadena_Mayor_Victor_Gordo_center_and-a-51_1736728867874.jpg)
