Meghan Markle and Harry accused of ‘staging’ LA fire video after hugging ‘own staff’
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s latest gesture of compassion amid the LA wildfires whirls into a frenzy of conspiracy theories online.
Neighbors confirm that the couple, who usually lay low in their home 90 miles north of LA, made the trip to Pasadena last Friday. There, they joined hands with Mayor Victor Gordo and emergency personnel at the forefront of the Eaton Fire response. The duchess, donning an LA cap, and Prince Harry were seen in videos embracing evacuees at the Convention Center and distributing provisions. However, some internet detectives on X Users have ruthlessly suggested that the Royal visit was not without stage management.
A video snippet showed the Sussexes comforting a woman, prompting one speculative commentary: “The part they don’t want you to see. The girl that Meghan was hugging is leaving with them, so she’s clearly staff.”
Another critique observed: “Then you pan round to see that the TMZ photographer was allowed to follow them into the security closed off area, to get the footage needed. Publicity vultures.”
And as someone else grilled, “Why is the ‘Fire Victim’ leaving with them? “, a follow-up accusation arose: “She was a volunteer, according to her lanyard, but it’s obvious she’s their staff. Meghan only goes to hug her when she realizes they are being filmed walking away.”
Victor Gordo, the city’s mayor, lauded Harry and Meghan’s efforts, telling the press: “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.”
He added, “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.”
However, not everyone viewed the Sussexes’ actions in Pasadena positively. The couple faced harsh criticism, being labeled “disaster tourists” by actress Justine Bateman, who expressed her disdain on X: “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.”
