Meghan Markle pays visit to new Los Angeles wildfire relief group after being called 'disaster tourist'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Meghan Markle isn't backing away from helping those in need amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires despite being trolled online and called a "disaster tourist."
The Duchess of Sussex paid a visit to the Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery, a charity organization started by 14-year-old Avery Colvert to help teenagers affected by the Eaton Fire, on Monday, January 13 as reported by Daily Mail.
The organization shared a video on its Instagram page that showed Meghan having a chat with a teenager. "And thank you to everyone who showed up on Monday, which was such a special day! We love you! 💖," the post's caption read.
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Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery expresses gratitude to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's charity
Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery also shared another post on its page, thanking Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's The Archewell Foundation for supporting them.
"We are official! We can now accept donations directly to our organization and make sure that all of these funds get RIGHT to the community where it's needed!" the organization mentioned in the caption.
"So many of you have set up your own Venmos and stuff to gather money for us and we are so grateful. A special thanks to The Archewell Foundation for your support! Please share far and wide. This is the BEGINNING of a MOVEMENT!! We are ALL #AltadenaGirls!" it added.
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Internet praises Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for lending hands to those in need
Netizens took to the comments section of the posts made by Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery to show appreciation toward Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
One wrote, "Thank you Harry and Meghan and all the help you give via your Archwell foundation. Heading straight to donate❤️," and another said, "If Harry and Meghan give the seal of approval then so do I. I'm happy to donate money. I am in Australia so unfortunately can't volunteer. Well done girls."
"Precious Harry and Meghan. Stay strong Altadena ❤️," a person wrote, while someone else added, "So amazing Meghan & Harry found you!"
"Thank you, Harry and Meghan and The Archewell Foundation for your donation to Altadena girls fund," a comment read.
"It's good that Harry and Meghan ignore the noise and hate that people have for them, especially Meghan, but they still continue to help people. 🙌🏾♥️," one more expressed.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were 'offended' by Justine Bateman's 'disaster tourists' label
Last week, the royal pair visited the Pasadena Convention Center, where they spoke with volunteers and the city's mayor, Victor Gordo.
Soon after, actress Justine Bateman took to X (formerly Twitter) to write, "Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. 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. #PalisadesFire."
Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive "photo op" they achieved. They are "touring the damage"? Are they politicians now? They don't live here; they are tourists.
— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) January 12, 2025
Disaster Tourists. #PalisadesFire https://t.co/Kv6v6jSX4y
Later, a source told Page Six that Bateman’s words offended Meghan and Prince Harry.
"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 revealed.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.