José Andrés, a close friend of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, expressed his admiration for the couple’s recent visit to victims affected by the California wildfires. Despite facing backlash, Andrés highlighted their commitment to showing up for those in need. In a candid interview, he remarked, “People might think it’s better to remain silent and do nothing to avoid criticism, but the truth is that they show up.”
The couple’s outing came under scrutiny, particularly from actress Justine Bateman, who labeled them “ambulance chasers” and “disaster tourists.” However, their actions on January 10 spoke volumes. They engaged with fire evacuees outside the Pasadena Convention Center, distributing essential supplies and expressing gratitude to first responders. While there, they also linked up with Andrés, who was present with his charity, World Central Kitchen.
Andrés, who has dedicated his life to feeding those displaced by disasters, voiced his support for the couple, who he considers friends. “They don’t have to be there, but they choose to help,” he stated, reflecting on their commitment even amid public scrutiny. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, residing in Montecito, California, opened their lavish home to friends impacted by the recent fires, demonstrating their solidarity with the community.
In a related turn of events, Markle postponed the launch of her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan” to focus on supporting wildfire victims. Originally set to debut on January 15, the show will now premiere on March 4, a decision made at Markle’s request. She expressed her gratitude to Netflix for accommodating her in light of the ongoing crisis, emphasizing the need to prioritize the affected individuals in her home state.
As the couple continues their philanthropic efforts, both Andrés and the Sussexes emphasize the importance of community support in challenging times.
