Hollywood Icon Blasts Harry & Meghan’s ‘Victimhood Tour’

Veteran actress and outspoken commentator Justine Bateman is not holding back when it comes to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The “Family Ties” star, known for her blunt takes, has slammed the couple’s ongoing “victimhood narrative” following their departure from royal life in 2020.

Bateman, 59, took to her Race Track Substack on Saturday, declaring that the American public is fed up with the Sussexes’ relentless push for sympathy. Her latest critique came in response to Markle’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, which she claims flopped due to the actress’s perceived entitlement.

A ‘Victim Olympics’ Strategy?

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, Bateman accused Markle, 43, of building her career on grievance-based branding.

“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. “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.”

She went further, claiming the couple has leaned on their royal exit as a perpetual marketing tool. “No one wants to watch someone playact at something they didn’t earn,” she said, adding sarcastically that she’s even made them a ‘gold medal’ for their efforts.

Public Fatigue with the Sussexes

Bateman isn’t alone in her frustration. Many Americans, including former royal fans, have voiced exhaustion over Harry and Meghan’s repeated attempts to stay in the spotlight through controversy rather than merit.

A recent Rasmussen poll found that 68% of Americans believe the couple should “move on” and focus on “substance over scandal.” Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro echoed Bateman’s sentiments, stating on The Ben Shapiro Show last week: “America rewards success and hard work, not constant victimhood.”

‘Disaster Tourists’ in California?

This isn’t the first time Bateman has criticized the couple. In January, she lambasted them as “ambulance chasers” after their highly publicized visit to a Pasadena evacuation center following the devastating Eaton fire.

“Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than disaster tourists,” she wrote at the time. “What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved.”

Bateman doubled down in her latest post, calling their actions “performative” and questioning their motives. “They don’t live here. They’re not officials. What exactly are they doing other than curating another headline?”

The Sussexes’ Next Move

Despite the criticism, Markle continues to expand her brand. Her new lifestyle company, As Ever, and podcast Confessions of a Female Founder have both launched this year, though neither has gained the traction of previous high-profile ventures.

Prince Harry, meanwhile, is focused on his Invictus Games initiative, but even that has seen declining media attention in the U.S.

As Bateman put it, “No one wishes them ill. But people have the right to stop buying into the narrative.”

Where Do They Go From Here?

Will Harry and Meghan pivot away from controversy and prove their staying power outside of scandal? Or will Bateman’s words ring true as their star fades? One thing is certain—America is watching, but for how much longer remains the question.