Justine Bateman Blasts Meghan and Harry’s "Victim Olympics" in Scathing Blog Post
Justine Bateman, the actress best known for her role in the iconic sitcom "Family Ties," has ignited a firestorm of controversy with her pointed criticism of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, accusing them of exploiting a "Victim Olympics" narrative for personal gain. In a blog post and subsequent social media comments, Bateman lambasted the couple’s recent endeavors, particularly Markle’s new Netflix lifestyle series, "With Love, Meghan," and their perceived public image.
Bateman’s core argument, outlined in her blog post titled, "The Problem With Meghan Markle: It’s Not What She’s Doing, It’s the Victim Olympics Road She Took to Get There," centers on the belief that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have built their current platform on a foundation of perceived victimhood, a strategy that she argues is now outdated and unwelcome by the public.
"The problem with Meghan Markle (and her husband, Harry) is that every opportunity they have explored or exploited over the past few years has been due to their very aggressive Victim Olympics campaign," Bateman wrote, suggesting that the couple has leveraged claims of mistreatment and unfairness to advance their careers and influence.
She further emphasized the shift in public sentiment, stating, "The difference between doing that two years ago and doing it now is immense. It’s 2025, and no one wants to see victims anymore." This statement implies that Bateman believes the public has grown weary of narratives focused on hardship and adversity, particularly when presented by individuals perceived as privileged or fortunate.
Bateman’s critique extends beyond the couple’s perceived reliance on a "Victim Olympics" strategy. She also questions the authenticity of their public persona and the value of their current projects. "No one wants to watch someone playact at something they didn’t earn," she wrote, suggesting that Markle’s lifestyle series lacks genuine substance and is merely a performance designed to capitalize on her royal connection and celebrity status.
The actress acknowledged that she doesn’t harbor any ill will towards Markle but maintains that the public has the right to reject narratives they find disingenuous or unearned. "Bateman doesn’t believe anyone wishes [Markle] ill, but people also have the right to not ‘go along with another’s ‘narrative’ anymore. It’s 2025 now and people want you to earn your spot," she emphasized, highlighting the importance of meritocracy and genuine achievement in the current social climate.
Bateman also criticized the couple’s seemingly contradictory behavior, pointing to their complaints about privacy while simultaneously engaging in highly public ventures. "The public doesn’t want to listen to people who bemoaned their lack of privacy, and yet take every opportunity to be extremely public with whatever they’re doing," she wrote, suggesting a lack of self-awareness and consistency in their actions.
In her view, Meghan and Harry are "two people riding the fumes of a past Victim Era, in a new era now where victimhood has fallen far out of favor."
This is not the first time Bateman has publicly voiced her disapproval of Meghan and Harry. In January, during the devastating Los Angeles fires, she labeled the couple "disaster tourists" after they were seen visiting Pasadena with the city’s mayor.
"Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers," Bateman wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, at the time. "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."
The actress’s criticism sparked a considerable backlash online, with many accusing her of being insensitive and unfair. Some defended Meghan and Harry’s presence at the evacuation site, arguing that they were showing support for the affected community and raising awareness about the disaster.
Notably, reports surfaced that Prince Harry and Markle had opened their home to friends and family forced to evacuate and donated clothing, children’s items, and other essentials to help the affected community. These actions, however, seemed to do little to sway Bateman’s opinion.
The controversy surrounding Bateman’s comments highlights the ongoing debate about Meghan and Harry’s public image and their role in contemporary society. While some view them as inspiring figures who have bravely challenged the norms of the British monarchy, others perceive them as entitled celebrities who have exploited their royal connections for personal gain.
Bateman’s scathing critique adds fuel to this ongoing debate, raising questions about the role of victimhood in public discourse and the expectations placed on public figures in the current social and political climate. Her comments have undoubtedly stirred considerable controversy and are likely to continue generating discussion for some time to come.
As of the time of reporting, Fox News Digital has reached out to a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment, but no response has been received.
