The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Family, News and Events 10: August 2024 -


If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
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.
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.
 
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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.
Are they saying the two arrested may be responsible for these fires? How horrible!
 
The date - March 4th - is the day after the Oscars.

Edited to add this article:


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 wonder if the series will ever see the light of day.
 
[…]
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?
 
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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.
They will probably give it a “quiet” release, unless Meghan is able to promote it in February.

It might be the best face-saving way to go. Netflix can release it for whatever it’s worth, and if it flops, Meghan can complain she got no support.

[…]

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?

So what if she’s from LA and worried? Lots of people are. Imposing herself into the situation to assuage her worries is entitled and, as usual, more self serving than public serving.

Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchens and renowned restaurateur, has an actual purpose at these disasters. He sets up emergency kitchens and feeds people. He serves the public.

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.

The royals who visited Grenfell Towers had actual, professional reasons for being there. They are also extremely careful to appear only when their visit will not be disruptive.

Meghan and Harry represent no one and their presence means nothing more than celebrity photo op ahead.
 
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[…]

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?

CMIIW, but I think QE2 and Prince William only visited Grenfell AFTER the fires had been extinguished, and visiting disaster victims are expected for the royals, whereas Harry and Meghan visited the wildfire victims, many of whom weren't permitted to check their own homes while the fires are STILL raging.

Unlike the royals, Harry and Meghan aren't expected for these kind of visits. The royals represents the people, Harry and Meghan represents only themselves, no matter how much they acted like pseudo royals in the US.

As for Jennifer Garner, she had a good reason to be there, considering she actually lives in Pacific Palisades for about 25 years, and her friend died from the wildfires.
 
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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.

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...
 
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.

[.....]
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.
 
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.
 
Are they saying the two arrested may be responsible for these fires? How horrible!
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: Police
The second article is about the Kenneth Fire in the Woodland Hills area, neighbors made a citizen's arrest on a suspect who was on parole as he appeared to be trying to start a fire. He was ultimately arrested on probation violation as there was not enough evidence of arson.
Arson is suspected in some fires, but the investigation is ongoing.
 
[…].

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 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.
 
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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.
 
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...

We Americans are not looking for royalty -- we fought a war to dump Harry's ancestors 250 years ago! And I don't think anyone views Meghan as "royalty."

As you say, she behaves like a celebrity, and that's all she is.

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.

They are damned if they do/damned if they don't. If they do things completely out of sight, no one's opinion of them will improve because no one knows about it. If it does become public knowledge, though, people will accuse them of doing stuff for publicity.

They've built themselves a difficult box to escape.

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.

I view their charitable work skeptically because it's clear that Meghan views everything in terms of business. Think back to her complaints when she was still doing royal duties that she couldn't believe she wasn't getting paid for shaking hands in Australia.

That makes sense, given her background. Celebrities get paid to promote things, just as she got paid when she was shilling for a department store in Toronto. Unfortunately, she never seemed to understand the difference between middling actress and middling royal.

That attitude has continued with her philanthropic work. How many times has she appeared somewhere for charity work with a camera crew in tow? Or required people to sign NDAs? Or increased her appearances just as a new venture is in the works?

It's good business, but self-serving philanthropy.

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.

Some celebrities show up because they want to help, while others support charities to burnish their images or promote their projects.

Showing up "without fanfare" doesn't normally involve posing for pictures with the mayor, being briefed by officials, touring restricted areas, and issuing press releases about your upcoming project.
 
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.
Celebrities are not financed by us, but they have an image to maintain because they want to be popular and respected. That is understandable. Of course, they could do nothing, that's up to them. However, most of them would like their commitment and charity to become public, because it is good for their image. I think that's understandable.

And yes, I also agree to your last sentence.
 
I have absolutely no problem with Harry and Meghan showing up to volunteer for WCK. WCK has done incredible work all over the world, and just like with Jennifer Garner, I think showing up to volunteer with WCK is a more than worthy cause. The only thing I have a problem with is them touring the burned out homes in Altadena. There was absolutely no reason for any private citizen to be given that opportunity. Both the officials who invited them to come and Harry and Meghan demonstrated poor judgment in participating in that.
 
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 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.

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?
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.
 
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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.


That’s a confusion a lot of Americans are making, Meghan included: royals are not celebrities. In the same way the president of a republic is not a celebrity. They have a serious role which does not involve doing things with the purpose of making the front page. How many people are familiar with Alois of Lichtenstein? And yet he holds a biiig chunk of the financial power of Europe.
Yes, a lot of royal families are on the front pages and that’s a good thing popularity wise (when it’s a positive story), but popularity is only a by product of their role.
 
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.
 
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.
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.

I'd also like to note that there are many donation locations outside of the fire zone where the Sussexes could have chosen to go to, drop off and/or help sort/pack items for distribution ie: clothing.

Here's a list of places with donation centers that outside of the fire affected areas. The regional Salvation Army and Goodwill centers have donation centers in Santa Barbara and Ventura County as well. IMHO there wasn't a reason to go all the way to Palisades or Altadena when items could be dropped off by them just off the 101 freeway.
 
It is absolutely new to me that they went to the Palisades fire, I think that must be a mistake in the press.
I have followed everything concerning Pacific Palisades closely because of friends there who have lost their home. I am sure I would have read or seen something if they had visited that area.
 
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.
 
Why don’t people like M&H? Let’s look back at what they’ve done since Megxit. It’s understandable why people are skeptical of their intentions when they appear (or claim to help) during the California disaster. Their actions have raised doubts. A reputation can be shattered in an instant, but rebuilding trust takes years.
 
It is absolutely new to me that they went to the Palisades fire, I think that must be a mistake in the press.
You’re right, they didn’t go to Palisades. They went to the Pasadena and Altadena. They visited the convention center in Pasadena.

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.
I was wrong. They went to Pasedena, not Palisades. And thank you for all of the information about donation centers.

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.
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.

Here’s a portion of yesterday’s press conference where they talk about not letting residents back in, and the frustration residents are feeling right now.

 
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[…]
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?
Totally different , Harry and Meghan are private citizens.
You cannot possibly know about donations made by the BRF, because unlike others they do not make a press statement announcing it.
 
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.

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...
The Americans fought a war to get rid of the monarchy.
 
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.
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.
I also wonder why they travelled to the fire further away from their home bypassing Malibu and the Pacific Palisades.
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.

Something I learned this week is that Altadena is one of the areas that wasn't subject to redlining before the implementation of the Fair Housing Act in the 1960s, which means it was a magnet for many middle-class African-Americans. Times have changed but the area is still home to a lot of minorities even if there are expensive homes & some celebrities who live in parts of Pasadena. Meghan would choose the area with less well-known celebrities & a greater number of minorities - that's just who she is, how she operates & would have viewed the optics of going, without actually recognizing that going this past weekend was too soon & entirely inappropriate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.

As far as postponing the show's premiere... I'd say it's a wise decision, especially after the blowback she's gotten during the past 36 hours since their PR visit to Altadena hit the news.
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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?
Pushing back here on some of the points you make -

Meghan grew up much closer to the Palisades Fire area than the Eaton Fire area (though not super-close). She went to high school in East Hollywood, which is really close to the area where the Sunset Fire broke out on Wednesday night. The choice to go to Altadena is really odd on many levels.

WCK has relief spots set up in multiple locations. Going to Altadena was a choice that got Meghan & Harry some short-term attention they wouldn't have gotten going to the Malibu/PP location which, naturally, has a lot of celebrities helping quietly because that is their own neighborhood. Jennifer Garner was in Malibu/PP, not Altadena/Pasadena.

I'm not sure what it says that they weren't recognized on their first visit when they were masked, other than they've really lost relevance. Having said that, don't think for one second that this wasn't a carefully orchestrated photo op. You don't show up and stand next to the governor's wife without it being pre-arranged.
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.
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.
 
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?
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.

Harry and Meghan, on the other hand, as I said before, are not the King and Queen of California, even though they seemingly would like to think of themselves that way. As they have no official public role in the state, I fail to understand why the public authorities invited them to tour the affected areas given the circumstances.
 
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