The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have once again found themselves at the center of controversy. This time, they are facing criticism from an actress who has openly condemned their approach to securing work opportunities, accusing them of persistently portraying themselves as victims. According to reports, the actress in question, Justine Bateman—known for her role in Desperate Housewives—has taken aim at the couple, alleging that they have essentially turned victimhood into a strategy for professional advancement.
In her criticism, Bateman labeled their approach as a kind of competitive game, referring to their tendency to highlight personal struggles in the public eye as the “Victim Olympics.” Writing on her RAC Track Substack, she expressed frustration over their tactics, particularly pointing out how they consistently emphasize hardships in a way that, in her view, is designed to generate sympathy and career opportunities. She did not hold back, stating that their approach has become an almost obsessive method of branding themselves as victims, and she argues that it is no longer effective in 2025.
Bateman’s comments came following the couple’s actions during the wildfires in California earlier in January. She accused them of being “disaster tourists” and “ambulance chasers,” implying that they took advantage of a tragic event to gain publicity. Her argument is that, rather than genuinely contributing to relief efforts, they used the situation as an opportunity to maintain their presence in the public eye. She believes that this pattern of behavior has been ongoing for several years, and she is critical of how they continue to employ this strategy.
Ads
According to Bateman, the problem with Meghan and Harry is not just that they highlight their struggles, but that they aggressively capitalize on them to stay relevant in the media and entertainment industry. She argues that, in the past, this approach might have worked, but the landscape has changed. She believes that in 2025, audiences are no longer interested in hearing about victimhood, especially when it is used as a way to gain opportunities rather than as a means of inspiring resilience or change. In her view, the public has grown weary of figures who appear to leverage hardship for personal gain rather than contributing meaningfully to their industries.
Although her criticism of the Sussexes is pointed, Bateman insists that she does not wish any harm upon Meghan Markle or Prince Harry. She acknowledges that Meghan, like anyone else, has the right to create her own media projects, whether that be a podcast, a television show, or any other form of content. However, what she takes issue with is the way the couple appears to frame their narratives. She contends that they have built much of their post-royal career around themes of struggle and mistreatment, rather than letting their work stand on its own merit.
In a particularly sarcastic gesture, Bateman even suggested that the couple deserves a “gold medal” in their so-called “Victim Olympics.” This remark highlights her belief that they have mastered the art of portraying themselves as wronged individuals in order to attract public sympathy and secure new opportunities. While some might see her comments as harsh, others may view them as a reflection of a broader shift in public perception regarding the couple’s public relations strategy.
Ads
This controversy arises at a time when Meghan Markle is preparing to launch a new podcast series. The upcoming project, titled Confessions of a Female Founder, is set to be released in April and is being produced by Lemonada Media, a U.S.-based company. The podcast is described as an eight-part series that will offer listeners an inside look at candid conversations between Meghan and various female entrepreneurs. According to promotional materials, the series aims to explore the challenges, triumphs, and untold stories of women who have built businesses from the ground up.
The announcement of Meghan’s new podcast comes after her previous media ventures, including the Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan and her earlier Spotify podcast Archetypes, which was ultimately discontinued. With this new project, Meghan appears to be shifting her focus toward entrepreneurship and leadership, positioning herself as a mentor and advocate for women in business.
Despite the criticism she has faced, Meghan remains committed to her work in media and storytelling. Her latest venture suggests that she wants to establish herself as a thought leader in the business space, using her platform to elevate female entrepreneurs. Whether this podcast will be well-received remains to be seen, but given the mixed reactions to her past media projects, it is likely to generate significant discussion.
Ads
Meanwhile, Prince Harry continues to work on various initiatives as well. Although he has also faced criticism for the way he has publicly shared his personal experiences—particularly in his memoir Spare—he remains active in philanthropy and advocacy. He has been involved in projects related to mental health, veterans' support, and global issues such as climate change. However, like Meghan, he has struggled to escape the perception that he frequently frames his narrative around personal grievances.
The larger question that arises from this ongoing debate is whether Meghan and Harry’s approach to public life is sustainable. While they have successfully built an independent brand separate from the British royal family, their reliance on personal struggles as a focal point of their storytelling has drawn increasing scrutiny. Some argue that they should pivot toward a more constructive and forward-looking approach, focusing less on past grievances and more on actionable efforts to create change.
Post a Comment