Justine Bateman, famed for her role in the classic television series “Family Ties,” has unleashed a critical analysis of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, accusing the couple of excessively portraying themselves as victims since their departure from royal duties in 2020.
In a recent 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 didn’t hold back in her assessment of Markle’s latest Netflix venture, “With Love, Meghan.”
She contends that the show’s underwhelming viewer numbers are a clear sign that audiences are no longer interested in witnessing what she describes as “playacting” by individuals who haven’t genuinely earned their opportunities.
Bateman, who has previously criticized the couple for their actions, specifically zeroed in on their ongoing business pursuits, which now include their lifestyle brand As Ever and a podcast named “Confessions of a Female Founder.”
She portrayed their endeavors as the fruits of a relentless “Victim Olympics campaign” that the couple has waged in recent years.
In her post on Substack, Bateman remarked on how the current climate regarding perceptions of victimhood has shifted dramatically.
“It’s now 2025, and the public’s patience for victims is wearing thin,” she stated.
Drawing a stark contrast to the past, she underscored the apathy of contemporary audiences towards narratives that revolve around self-pity.
Notably, Bateman expressed that while she doesn’t wish ill on Markle, she feels people are entitled to reject the narratives the couple promotes.
This sentiment echoes her earlier remarks condemning Harry and Meghan as “ambulance chasers” and “disaster tourists” after their visit to a fire evacuation center earlier this year.
Reflecting on the Sussexes’ various claims against the royal family, such as the alleged questioning of their son’s skin color and their struggles with media scrutiny, Bateman suggested that these allegations are seemingly the crux of their public persona.
She humorously designed a mock gold medal for the couple, labeling it a “Victim Olympics” award.
Bateman pointedly outlined her belief that the couple’s profile is built on opportunities seized due to their vocal claims of victimization.
“The contracts and deals they’ve secured, including a staggering $100 million Netflix agreement, are not results of genuine talent,” she argued.
Instead, she views them as rewards for their ability to amplify their trauma.
She urged the couple to recognize that the public has moved on, longing for authenticity rather than reminders of past grievances.
“People are done hearing from those who crave their privacy yet continuously seek the spotlight,” Bateman lamented.
The actress lamented the irony faced by the couple: they condemned the royal family while still clinging to former titles and privileges.
“The public is tired of seeing people who vehemently rejected their royal past still using it to their advantage,” she pointed out.
Concluding her thoughts, Bateman encouraged both Harry and Meghan to step back and reassess their lives.
“If they were to take time to explore their true identities and talents, there might be something meaningful to emerge,” she noted.
While Bateman’s opinions are undoubtedly controversial, they reflect a broader discontent among audiences regarding the couple’s ongoing narrative.
It remains to be seen how Harry and Meghan will respond, but the public’s appetite for their story seems to have shifted significantly, with many now yearning for a more genuine connection.
In the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity and media, Justine Bateman’s critiques shed light on the changing dynamics of public interest and the fine line between activism and self-promotion.
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