Sophia Michaels
In the wake of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stepped in to offer both financial and emotional assistance to those affected. An insider shared that Meghan, raised in LA, feels deeply for the lives lost and the homes destroyed. On February 4, she shared a video on Instagram, highlighting her support for a family impacted by the fires. During her visit, she learned from a woman and her daughter that the young girl was upset about losing her new Billie Eilish concert t-shirt. Meghan made an effort to find someone connected to Eilish, and in her video, she excitedly showcased signed merchandise from the artist.
Though comments were disabled for the post, critics expressed their views on social media. While some praised Meghan’s kindness, others criticized her approach, especially when she thanked Adam Levine and his wife, Behati Prinsloo, for their assistance. One critic argued that Meghan often drops the names of bigger celebrities for attention rather than helping quietly.
Criticism Towards Meghan’s Kind Gesture
Meghan Markle faced backlash during a visit to wildfire-hit areas in Los Angeles, with Justine Bateman labeling them as “Disaster Tourists” on X. Critics revisited this term while discussing her support for the girl who lost her Billie Eilish shirt, calling it a shift from genuine aid to “disaster merchandising.” There were doubts about the sincerity of her actions, with some suggesting involvement from the entertainment agency WME, making the gesture seem more like a performance. Additionally, the choice of her outfit, featuring her children’s names, was also scrutinized.
Nonetheless, some commentators recognized Meghan’s challenges, suggesting her celebrity goodwill can occasionally come off awkwardly. Observers noted that her return to social media was bound to be clumsy until she regains her comfort. One individual highlighted that Meghan had performed similar acts prior to her royal duties, often sharing them online.
While many dismissed her efforts as self-serving, a local LA resident underscored the importance of her actions, stating it reminded everyone that recovery from disasters lasts well beyond media attention. “Her gesture is kind and brings awareness to the ongoing recovery efforts,” they expressed on Reddit.
