Harry and Meghan defended after LA wildfires photo is branded ‘repulsive’ by critic

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been defended after their Los Angeles wildfires photo was branded 'repulsive' by actress Justine Bateman.

The Family Ties star recently took to social media to share her thoughts on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live in Montecito, California, and what she believed was an insensitive 'photo op' at an evacuation centre for victims.

Bateman wrote on X yesterday (12 January): "Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers."

She continued to slam: "What a repulsive 'photo op' they achieved. They are 'touring the damage'? Are they politicians now? They don't live here; they are tourists."

Bateman signed off the scathing tweet dubbing the pair 'disaster tourists'.

After catching light of Bateman's comments, people rushed in to defend Harry and Meghan, with one X user writing: "I don’t want to be critical of anyone right now. This is what Harry has always been taught to do, I think they are just trying to help. People want to help but don’t know how to right now. Give the benefit of the doubt, horrible tragedy."

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry handed out food to LA fires evacuees in Pasadena (Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

A second claimed: "Oh this is a royal family thing. They depicted it in The Crown. I forget the details but the royal family was sharply criticised for being aloof during a big disaster.

"The Queen listened to the criticism and showed up and it’s been an expectation ever since. 50-75 years ago."

"I don't agree. I think Harry has the best interest of the people at heart. We need to lay off of them for a while," a fourth chimed in, while another hit out: "No one complains about the repulsive photo ops from other royals. The hate these two get is such hypocrisy."

And a final X user pointed out: "I’m not a fan of the royals but the last I heard, Harry and Meghan do live in LA."

Footage captured by Fox 11 Los Angeles showed Harry and Markle in Pasadena on Friday (10 January) talking with the city’s mayor, Victor Gordo, as well as emergency workers tackling the Eaton Fire.

The royals were defended after actress, Justine Bateman, claimed their appearance was an example of 'disaster tourism' (Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

They could be seen comforting volunteers and handing out food to evacuees.

The pair have also reportedly opened their home to friends and family who were forced to evacuate, donating clothing, children’s items, and other essentials to help the affected community, Fox News Digital reports.

Gordo told reporters: "This is their second visit today. We were here earlier today and they were serving food, anonymously. No one knew they were serving food, with masks on.

"They didn't come out here for publicity. They came out here to work.

"Then we went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view first-hand some of the impacted area.

"Then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and our neighbours."

Tyla has contacted representatives of Meghan and Harry for comment.