West LA Times

Family Ties actress Justine Bateman has criticized Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's visit to Los Angeles wildfire victims, describing it as a "repulsive photo op" due to their status as non-local residents. Bateman expressed her views in a January 11 post on X.

“Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers,” Bateman wrote in her post. “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.”

On November 2, 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced through their Archewell Foundation their commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. This initiative aims to align with global efforts to address the climate crisis. The couple plans to collaborate with independent consultants to measure their carbon footprint starting from 2022 and implement strategies guided by leading environmental standards such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and Science-Based Targets initiative.

Actress Justine Bateman | Greg2600 (Wikipedia Commons)

According to Fox News, on December 6, 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seen arriving in New York via private jet. This raised questions about their environmental advocacy. They attended the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Awards in New York, where they were recognized for their work on human rights and social issues alongside other leaders prioritizing climate change, sustainability, and social justice.

Former California Assemblyman Chuck DeVore told Fox News on January 10 that regulations limiting controlled burns and water management practices have exacerbated wildfire risks by increasing fuel loads and straining firefighting resources. These policies are rooted in environmentalist priorities like improving air quality but are said to unintentionally worsen fire damage.

According to Cal Fire, approximately 57,528 acres have been burned by the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires. More than 16,255 structures have been destroyed or damaged in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding neighborhoods. As of January 27, there are 28 fatalities. Santa Ana winds, drought conditions, and heavy brush resulting from last year's rains continue fueling these fires as investigations into their causes proceed.

Justine Bateman is best known for her role as Mallory Keaton on the sitcom Family Ties (1982–89). She transitioned from lighthearted juvenile roles to more challenging work in the 1990s after starting her career at age 15. Bateman earned two Emmy nominations for her performance as Mallory Keaton and showcased her versatility in various stage productions and TV projects outside the sitcom.