I very much understand your feelings about the tragedies of friends in that area. I just wrote in another thread that I learned today that the home of a family I know is completely destroyed, I can't stop thinking about it.Apologies to anyone who found my posts insulting. I have family, friends and work colleagues who have been affected/ lost everything in the fires. I am sensitive to their tragedies.
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Meghan Markle DELAYS the release of her Netflix series due to LA fires
The programme, With Love, Meghan, was set to be released on January 15, but this has now been moved to March 4.www.dailymail.co.uk
Meghan's new Netflix show has been delayed in light of the LA fires
Are they saying the two arrested may be responsible for these fires? How horrible!The winds are being forecast until mid week. So there's no relief yet. The entire Southern California region is currently a potential fire disaster. So the last thing we need are more fires to start in other counties. Especially in areas that are close to hillsides and mountains.
There have been at least 2 arrests made for possible arson acts. One in West Hills and the other was made in Azusa.
Southern California residents who are outside the active fire impacted areas are being asked to stay away.
In the 21st century, we all know that donations and charitable acts can be done remotely.
I wonder if the series will ever see the light of day.The date - March 4th - is the day after the Oscars.
Edited to add this article:
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Meghan and Harry branded ‘disaster tourists’ after LA wildfires ‘photo op’
‘Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers,’ said ‘Family Ties’ starwww.independent.co.uk
In a post shared on X/Twitter, Bateman took issue with the pair’s appearance in Pasadena, writing: “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.”
I agree; I suspect it won't.I wonder if the series will ever see the light of day.
They will probably give it a “quiet” release, unless Meghan is able to promote it in February.I agree; I suspect it won't.
With all the grieving and rebuilding that LA will be dealing with, it is hard to see when will be any good time in the near future. I was wondering if the Oscars might be postponed, or scaled down in some way.
[…]
Here are some context for those who want a more holistic view:
- Meghan grew up on LA, her mother still lives there. This is her home town and she has many friends in the area, this is no doubt very personal to her.
- The Archewell Foundation has been working with World Central Kitchen (WCK) for many years. Meghan and Harry were there with Chef Andres, the founder of WCK.
- In an interview with the Mayor, he confirmed that the Sussex were there to work, without cameras or fanfare. In fact, they were caught on their second visit. During their first visit, they were wearing masks and no one recognized them.
- The local news visited the area because the wife of the CA Governor was there. In fact, in one video, they were interviewing the first lady of California and you can see Meghan and Harry in the background working while wearing masks without drawing any attention to themselves.
- The Sussex did not announce their visit ahead of time, nor speak with the media.
BTW, Jennifer Garner (ex-wife of Ben Affleck) was there volunteering as well. Are you saying that Jennifer is there to as a "Disaster tourist"? She actually did more publicity than the Sussex by being interviewed, on camera with a news team. The Sussex is doing the same thing as many other celebrities in the area with far less fanfare.
When the Grenfell Tower disaster happened, multiple Royals made visits include QEII and Prince William. Would you call those visits "Disaster tourism", especially since those Royals arrived empty handed but with camera in tow?
[…]
Here are some context for those who want a more holistic view:
- Meghan grew up on LA, her mother still lives there. This is her home town and she has many friends in the area, this is no doubt very personal to her.
- The Archewell Foundation has been working with World Central Kitchen (WCK) for many years. Meghan and Harry were there with Chef Andres, the founder of WCK.
- In an interview with the Mayor, he confirmed that the Sussex were there to work, without cameras or fanfare. In fact, they were caught on their second visit. During their first visit, they were wearing masks and no one recognized them.
- The local news visited the area because the wife of the CA Governor was there. In fact, in one video, they were interviewing the first lady of California and you can see Meghan and Harry in the background working while wearing masks without drawing any attention to themselves.
- The Sussex did not announce their visit ahead of time, nor speak with the media.
BTW, Jennifer Garner (ex-wife of Ben Affleck) was there volunteering as well. Are you saying that Jennifer is there to as a "Disaster tourist"? She actually did more publicity than the Sussex by being interviewed, on camera with a news team. The Sussex is doing the same thing as many other celebrities in the area with far less fanfare.
When the Grenfell Tower disaster happened, multiple Royals made visits include QEII and Prince William. Would you call those visits "Disaster tourism", especially since those Royals arrived empty handed but with camera in tow?
Meghan and Harry have no purpose. They hold no official roles in Los Angeles (or anywhere else), and they’re a distraction. Their presence benefits no one but them.
This is the whole problem now. Everything gets tainted. I do genuinely believe they want to be helpful. I hope they might do stuff under the radar in the next few months helping rebuild and offering support.We can agree on the reaction she would receive one way or the other -- all negative. That's not a function of my not liking her; that's from her past performance. She's burnt a lot of bridges.
[.....]
So here's an article about a man who was about to start a fire in Azusa, but fortunately he was stopped before he could do so. Man admits to purposely starting brush fire in Azusa: PoliceAre they saying the two arrested may be responsible for these fires? How horrible!
In any case, your arguments are understandable. I'll try to take a neutral view of the matter. It may well be that Harry and Meghan really wanted to help and didn't show up there for PR reasons, although that's what they're being accused of. But we don't know.[…].
Here are some context for those who want a more holistic view:
- Meghan grew up on LA, her mother still lives there. This is her home town and she has many friends in the area, this is no doubt very personal to her.
- The Archewell Foundation has been working with World Central Kitchen (WCK) for many years. Meghan and Harry were there with Chef Andres, the founder of WCK.
- In an interview with the Mayor, he confirmed that the Sussex were there to work, without cameras or fanfare. In fact, they were caught on their second visit. During their first visit, they were wearing masks and no one recognized them.
- The local news visited the area because the wife of the CA Governor was there. In fact, in one video, they were interviewing the first lady of California and you can see Meghan and Harry in the background working while wearing masks without drawing any attention to themselves.
- The Sussex did not announce their visit ahead of time, nor speak with the media.
BTW, Jennifer Garner (ex-wife of Ben Affleck) was there volunteering as well. Are you saying that Jennifer is there to as a "Disaster tourist"? She actually did more publicity than the Sussex by being interviewed, on camera with a news team. The Sussex is doing the same thing as many other celebrities in the area with far less fanfare.
When the Grenfell Tower disaster happened, multiple Royals made visits include QEII and Prince William. Would you call those visits "Disaster tourism", especially since those Royals arrived empty handed but with camera in tow?
In the same way I could also say the only reason royals (of any country) show up is because they have to. It's their job to do this. Celebrities, especially when they show up without fanfare (like in this case), show up and help because they want to. They could easily do nothing and stay at home.In any case, your arguments are understandable. I'll try to take a neutral view of the matter. It may well be that Harry and Meghan really wanted to help and didn't show up there for PR reasons, although that's what they're being accused of. But we don't know.
What bothers most people is the fact that they have their celebrity status, which is based solely on the fact that Harry is of royal descent and so is his wife by having married him.
That is why the comparison with serious accidents that have happened in the UK is not correct.
There, the members of the royal family had to appear because it is their duty as representatives of their country, in the same way that our Federal President or Chancellor appears in the event of serious accidents, assassinations, etc.
But the Sussexes have no official office, which is the difference that bothers some people. Just regard them as Californian celebrities who show up for wanting to help or / and doing it for PR. I guess that is up to everybody's feeling or judgement.
Well, they are the next best connection to Royalty for the Americans!
And it is not, like they were standing in the way - They were in Pasadena, if I am not wrong, where everybody of the desaster visitors (tv crews, politicians) was anyway too.
They did no harm!
I personally did not like what I saw in the DM, the snippets from CBS, because I think Meghan is a bit to "touchy". Real Royals were said to have the Royal Touch, a healing power.
Royal touch - Wikipedia
Meghan behaves like a celebrity...
This is the whole problem now. Everything gets tainted. I do genuinely believe they want to be helpful. I hope they might do stuff under the radar in the next few months helping rebuild and offering support.
In any case, your arguments are understandable. I'll try to take a neutral view of the matter. It may well be that Harry and Meghan really wanted to help and didn't show up there for PR reasons, although that's what they're being accused of. But we don't know.
What bothers most people is the fact that they have their celebrity status, which is based solely on the fact that Harry is of royal descent and so is his wife by having married him.
That is why the comparison with serious accidents that have happened in the UK is not correct.
There, the members of the royal family had to appear because it is their duty as representatives of their country, in the same way that our Federal President or Chancellor appears in the event of serious accidents, assassinations, etc.
But the Sussexes have no official office, which is the difference that bothers some people. Just regard them as Californian celebrities who show up for wanting to help or / and doing it for PR. I guess that is up to everybody's feeling or judgement.
In the same way I could also say the only reason royals (of any country) show up is because they have to. It's their job to do this. Celebrities, especially when they show up without fanfare (like in this case), show up and help because they want to. They could easily do nothing and stay at home.
Let's face it, it all boils down to whether people like a certain celebrity, incl. royals, or not. And royals ARE celebrities.
In the same way I could also say the only reason royals (of any country) show up is because they have to. It's their job to do this. Celebrities, especially when they show up without fanfare (like in this case), show up and help because they want to. They could easily do nothing and stay at home.
Let's face it, it all boils down to whether people like a certain celebrity, incl. royals, or not. And royals ARE celebrities.
Yes, I agree. But there is still a difference. The paid representatives of a country, whether royal house or republic, are obliged to perform their duties. They are financed by the taxpayer.In the same way I could also say the only reason royals (of any country) show up is because they have to. It's their job to do this. Celebrities, especially when they show up without fanfare (like in this case), show up and help because they want to. They could easily do nothing and stay at home.
Let's face it, it all boils down to whether people like a certain celebrity, incl. royals, or not. And royals ARE celebrities.
They didn’t just go to Palisades, they also went to Altadena. That’s where they surveyed the burned homes. Like I said earlier, not even Altadena residents are being allowed back in the area.Well, they are the next best connection to Royalty for the Americans!
And it is not, like they were standing in the way - They were in Pasadena, if I am not wrong, where everybody of the desaster visitors (tv crews, politicians) was anyway too.
They did no harm!
I personally did not like what I saw in the DM, the snippets from CBS, because I think Meghan is a bit to "touchy". Real Royals were said to have the Royal Touch, a healing power.
Royal touch - Wikipedia
Meghan behaves like a celebrity...
Jennifer Garner lives in the Palisades. She not only lost her church, but a friend died in the fires. She’s also the ambassador for Save the Children and was working with WCK to feed firefighters and first responders. So she was out there working, and was not being given tours of devastated homes.I understand that people don't like Meghan, she could cure cancer and people will make snarky comments.
Here are some context for those who want a more holistic view:
- Meghan grew up on LA, her mother still lives there. This is her home town and she has many friends in the area, this is no doubt very personal to her.
- The Archewell Foundation has been working with World Central Kitchen (WCK) for many years. Meghan and Harry were there with Chef Andres, the founder of WCK.
- In an interview with the Mayor, he confirmed that the Sussex were there to work, without cameras or fanfare. In fact, they were caught on their second visit. During their first visit, they were wearing masks and no one recognized them.
- The local news visited the area because the wife of the CA Governor was there. In fact, in one video, they were interviewing the first lady of California and you can see Meghan and Harry in the background working while wearing masks without drawing any attention to themselves.
- The Sussex did not announce their visit ahead of time, nor speak with the media.
BTW, Jennifer Garner (ex-wife of Ben Affleck) was there volunteering as well. Are you saying that Jennifer is there to as a "Disaster tourist"? She actually did more publicity than the Sussex by being interviewed, on camera with a news team. The Sussex is doing the same thing as many other celebrities in the area with far less fanfare.
When the Grenfell Tower disaster happened, multiple Royals made visits include QEII and Prince William. Would you call those visits "Disaster tourism", especially since those Royals arrived empty handed but with camera in tow?
In the same way I could also say the only reason royals (of any country) show up is because they have to. It's their job to do this. Celebrities, especially when they show up without fanfare (like in this case), show up and help because they want to. They could easily do nothing and stay at home.
Let's face it, it all boils down to whether people like a certain celebrity, incl. royals, or not. And royals ARE celebrities.
Other than Jennifer Garner, I have not seen any other "celebrity" other than MM/JH on camera.In the same way I could also say the only reason royals (of any country) show up is because they have to. It's their job to do this. Celebrities, especially when they show up without fanfare (like in this case), show up and help because they want to. They could easily do nothing and stay at home.
Let's face it, it all boils down to whether people like a certain celebrity, incl. royals, or not. And royals ARE celebrities.
Thank you soapstar. I had not realized that they went to the Palisades fire too. I especially agree with the bolded section of your statement.They didn’t just go to Palisades, they also went to Altadena. That’s where they surveyed the burned homes. Like I said earlier, not even Altadena residents are being allowed back in the area.
There was a press conference this morning where they talked about how they can’t even let residents go in to get their pets. The police and local officials are trying to coordinate with the humane society to get pets out. They also discussed the frustration that many residents are feeling because they can’t view their homes (my friend is going through this right now). Officials said they understood, but wanted to stress that the evacuation area isn’t safe. Not only are they still trying to contain the fire, but emergency workers are in the process of recovering the bodies of victims of the fire. The bottom line is that the area is still an active emergency zone, and Meghan and Harry had no business being allowed to survey the area.
I have no issue with Harry and Meghan volunteering with WCK. Plenty of celebs are doing just that. I truly applaud anyone who is helping out. The issue I have is that the Sussexes still don’t seem to understand that they’re no longer working members of the BRF. They appear to want the same privileges and access. They don’t seem to understand that what may have been okay as a working member, is no longer appropriate as a private citizen.
Jennifer Garner lives in the Palisades. She not only lost her church, but a friend died in the fires. She’s also the ambassador for Save the Children and was working with WCK to feed firefighters and first responders. So she was out there working, and was not being given tours of devastated homes.
I have no issue with the Sussexes volunteering, but I don’t think it makes sense to try and compare them to the British Royal Family. The BRF represents the UK. Their whole job is to go out into the community and to give comfort during disasters.
Also when William and the late Queen made the visit to Grenfell, they didn’t tour the impacted building. They went to the Sports Centre which was providing shelter to residents of the fire. If Meghan and Harry had just stuck to volunteering with WCK, I wouldn’t have a problem with their visit. My issue is solely about them being escorted around by the mayor. They don’t hold an official role in the US. They don’t represent the BRF, the government, or an aid organization. They are now private citizens. Their presence at the evacuation area wasn’t needed.
You’re right, they didn’t go to Palisades. They went to the Pasadena and Altadena. They visited the convention center in Pasadena.It is absolutely new to me that they went to the Palisades fire, I think that must be a mistake in the press.
I was wrong. They went to Pasedena, not Palisades. And thank you for all of the information about donation centers.Thank you soapstar. I had not realized that they went to the Palisades fire too. I especially agree with the bolded section of your statement.
In the early days of the fires they were a bit more lax, so a few people were able to go home. But officials shut it down quickly due to safety concerns. The majority of Altadena residents that were impacted by the fires have not been able to go back. The presser from today reiterated that people are frustrated because they can’t go home. My friends who lost their house in the fire (they lived in Malibu) still haven’t been able to go home. They’ve only been able to see the destruction from the news.There were Altadena residents that were allowed in. Mandy Moore lived in Altadena and she was allowed to go back to see her home on Thursday. Not unless they are lying, I have been seeing conflicting reports about who was let back in and who wasn’t.
Totally different , Harry and Meghan are private citizens.[…]
Here are some context for those who want a more holistic view:
- Meghan grew up on LA, her mother still lives there. This is her home town and she has many friends in the area, this is no doubt very personal to her.
- The Archewell Foundation has been working with World Central Kitchen (WCK) for many years. Meghan and Harry were there with Chef Andres, the founder of WCK.
- In an interview with the Mayor, he confirmed that the Sussex were there to work, without cameras or fanfare. In fact, they were caught on their second visit. During their first visit, they were wearing masks and no one recognized them.
- The local news visited the area because the wife of the CA Governor was there. In fact, in one video, they were interviewing the first lady of California and you can see Meghan and Harry in the background working while wearing masks without drawing any attention to themselves.
- The Sussex did not announce their visit ahead of time, nor speak with the media.
BTW, Jennifer Garner (ex-wife of Ben Affleck) was there volunteering as well. Are you saying that Jennifer is there to as a "Disaster tourist"? She actually did more publicity than the Sussex by being interviewed, on camera with a news team. The Sussex is doing the same thing as many other celebrities in the area with far less fanfare.
When the Grenfell Tower disaster happened, multiple Royals made visits include QEII and Prince William. Would you call those visits "Disaster tourism", especially since those Royals arrived empty handed but with camera in tow?
There were Altadena residents that were allowed in. Mandy Moore lived in Altadena and she was allowed to go back to see her home on Thursday. Not unless they are lying, I have been seeing conflicting reports about who was let back in and who wasn’t.
The Americans fought a war to get rid of the monarchy.Well, they are the next best connection to Royalty for the Americans!
And it is not, like they were standing in the way - They were in Pasadena, if I am not wrong, where everybody of the desaster visitors (tv crews, politicians) was anyway too.
They did no harm!
I personally did not like what I saw in the DM, the snippets from CBS, because I think Meghan is a bit to "touchy". Real Royals were said to have the Royal Touch, a healing power.
Royal touch - Wikipedia
Meghan behaves like a celebrity...
They would have been better staying home in Montecito & organizing relief/aid from Santa Barbara County to be brought in to the devastated areas; and certainly better off waiting until this week rather than doing it this past weekend. There are many ways to help & stay away from the evacuation zones - Chef Andrew Gruel is based in Orange County (immediately SE of LA County) and has set up a relief center at his restaurant which has turned into a staging point. I'm sure similar points exist in Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties, much closer to where the Sussexes live. There are many, many ways they could have contributed & been of help without actually leaving their area.So this couple should have done nothing and just stood by? Well, if I had been living anywhere nearby I sure as heck would have been there doing whatever little bit I could, even if it does cause criticism from others. We have bush fires here in Australia (often horrendous ones) practically every year, and everybody tries to lend a hand if they can.
Not just Malibu & Pacific Palisades - there are evacuation centers & relief staging points set up in the San Fernando Valley, which is directly north of Malibu/PP. Meghan & Harry would have had to DRIVE right past those locations in order to get to Pasadena/Altadena.I also wonder why they travelled to the fire further away from their home bypassing Malibu and the Pacific Palisades.
Disagree. This is one of those times when saying & doing nothing would have been a far wiser media strategy. There has been plenty of class resentment all over social media from those who don't feel badly about celebrities being forced to evacuate or losing their homes in these fires. That was bubbling up as early as last Wednesday. Keeping a low profile in these circumstances and not drawing attention to themselves while working quietly at a relief staging point in their area is the route they should have taken.I can understand the criticism of their behavior during the fire disaster in California. On the other hand, if they hadn't spoken out and done something, but instead stayed in their million-dollar mansion because they weren't personally affected? The international shitstorm would have been much worse.
Meghan's been sucking up to Gavin Newsom for years now since she & Harry moved to California. It is not one bit surprising to me that they used their connections with the governor to tag onto the visit his wife made & the access she was granted to the area. Naturally, the mayor would have been there for the governor's wife visiting.The whole thing's very strange. The reports are saying that they thanked first responders, alongside the Governor of California's wife and the Mayor of Pasadena. Why are they being bracketed with those two people? And then they were taken on.a tour of a fire damaged area. It's just weird.
Tiny correction - Montecito is 100 MILES away from Pasadena, which is about 160km. It's not close, especially with southern California traffic, but it's not far by North American standards and not especially for anyone who lives in the western half of the continent. Looking at your location - it would be similar to driving to Dortmund or Arnhem.In this case i would say it is exactly *because* the target audience isn't just local Montecito and her brand is very much 'Southern California style', it is a wise decision to postpone (regardless of who took the decision).
If it were just for Montecito, the audience would understand what it was about, just like in other parts of California (i assume) life continues somewhat regular at the moment, kids go to school, people go to work.
But for me, living at the other side of the world, California is burning, huge fires everywhere, and i have no idea what Montecito being 100km away means, it is still South California maybe a fire could start there too...
if a new show would premiere celebrating Southern Californian lifestyle as iff nothing happened (because the show was recorded ages ago), it would most definitely feel tonedeaf
Pushing back here on some of the points you make -[…]
Here are some context for those who want a more holistic view:
- Meghan grew up on LA, her mother still lives there. This is her home town and she has many friends in the area, this is no doubt very personal to her.
- The Archewell Foundation has been working with World Central Kitchen (WCK) for many years. Meghan and Harry were there with Chef Andres, the founder of WCK.
- In an interview with the Mayor, he confirmed that the Sussex were there to work, without cameras or fanfare. In fact, they were caught on their second visit. During their first visit, they were wearing masks and no one recognized them.
- The local news visited the area because the wife of the CA Governor was there. In fact, in one video, they were interviewing the first lady of California and you can see Meghan and Harry in the background working while wearing masks without drawing any attention to themselves.
- The Sussex did not announce their visit ahead of time, nor speak with the media.
BTW, Jennifer Garner (ex-wife of Ben Affleck) was there volunteering as well. Are you saying that Jennifer is there to as a "Disaster tourist"? She actually did more publicity than the Sussex by being interviewed, on camera with a news team. The Sussex is doing the same thing as many other celebrities in the area with far less fanfare.
When the Grenfell Tower disaster happened, multiple Royals made visits include QEII and Prince William. Would you call those visits "Disaster tourism", especially since those Royals arrived empty handed but with camera in tow?
That's very true, however there are many, many ways they can aid the relief efforts without going anywhere near the evacuated areas. That's what people are taking issue with. And especially on Saturday when the Palisades fire was trying to blow up to the north & east of where it's been burning & causing major evacuations from the Encino & Brentwood areas of LA. They would have actually driven right through Encino on the way to & from Pasadena on the 101. It's rather appalling when you pause to consider the logistics of this visit.I think that what is being overlooked is that they have teamed up with WCK. They may not be cooking the food but it does need to be given out to people. Some people feel the need to be doing something hands on while others are content to sit home and make a monetary donation. They don't have to be expected at these kinds of events its as simple as just helping out which thousands of people do on a daily basis. Service is universal.
The difference, of course, is that the Royals are public officials in the United Kingdom and public officials often make those visits in the wake of disasters, even when it unfortunately backfires against them, see e.g. the angry reaction of the crowd when King Felipe and Queen Letizia visited Valencia in the aftermath of the recent floods that devastated the region and killed hundreds of people.When the Grenfell Tower disaster happened, multiple Royals made visits include QEII and Prince William. Would you call those visits "Disaster tourism", especially since those Royals arrived empty handed but with camera in tow?