Meghan Markle's decision to delay the release of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, due to the ongoing wildfires in Southern California has ignited both praise and criticism. The Duchess of Sussex cited the severity of the disaster as the reason for postponing the show's premiere, originally scheduled for January 15, to March 4. While many have commended her sensitivity to the crisis, others have questioned her motives, citing past controversies.
"Given the severity of the wildfires, which have resulted in loss of life and property, proceeding with the show's original release date could have been perceived as insensitive," PR expert Mayah Riaz told the Mirror. Meghan, she added, made the right choice to avoid appearing "tone-deaf" during a time of immense tragedy.
In a public statement, Meghan emphasized her focus on supporting those impacted by the fires. "We're dealing with a catastrophe," she said, explaining her decision to shift attention to immediate relief efforts. The couple, who reside in Montecito, 90 miles from Los Angeles, have reportedly donated clothing and essential supplies to evacuees. They also opened their home to friends and loved ones forced to flee the disaster.
Despite these gestures, some critics have accused Meghan and Prince Harry of leveraging the tragedy for publicity. During a visit to an evacuation center and food bank in Pasadena, where the couple was seen hugging residents and interacting with emergency crews, some observers labeled their actions a "photo op."
TV personality Kelly Osbourne voiced her skepticism in a now-deleted video, saying it was "disturbing" to see celebrities use others' suffering for self-promotion. "No one asked you to come out and give hugs. Go home," she said, without explicitly naming the couple. However, many interpreted her comments as directed at Meghan and Harry.
The backlash extended to social media, where users accused the couple of bringing a film crew to document their relief efforts. "It was obviously for the cameras," one commenter wrote, echoing sentiments from actress Justine Batemany, who called them "disaster tourists."
This isn't the first time Meghan and Harry's public actions have drawn scrutiny. Critics have juxtaposed Meghan's decision to delay her show with the couple's controversial 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, which aired while the late Prince Philip was hospitalized. "Meghan seemingly didn't think twice about going ahead with the Oprah interview, did she?" a royal insider remarked to the Daily Mail.
Supporters, however, argue that Meghan's actions during the wildfires demonstrate genuine compassion and a commitment to her community. "By postponing the premiere, Meghan acknowledges the gravity of the situation and prioritizes the well-being of those affected," Riaz said.
The wildfires, which have devastated large swathes of Southern California, have highlighted the couple's role as public figures navigating complex perceptions. Their presence in the community and decision to delay the show underscore their attempt to balance personal commitments with public responsibilities.