Celebrity Chef Jose Andres He praised his “friends” Meghan Markle and Prince Harry For volunteering during the Los Angeles wildfires.
In an interview with the people Published on Saturday, January 19, Andres, 55, said he was “happy” to see the couple “appearing like so many others”.
“I mean, listen, I consider them friends,” Andres told the outlet. “I know they are in the spotlight – not in America, but in Britain – and what I can say from what I know is that they don't have to, but they decided to do it.”
Andres is founder From World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization that provides meals to communities in need during times of war or in the aftermath of a natural disaster. The organization is a long-standing partner of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell Foundation.
Markle, 43, and Harry, 40, recently partnered with Andrés and World Central Kitchen to help with ongoing operations. Wildfire relief efforts. The couple also donated items to those affected in the Pacific Palisades area, where the fires first broke out on January 7.
“Maybe you feel like it's better that no one does anything, because no one criticizes you for showing up — but the amazing thing is that they show up,” Andres said.
It was previously Markle and Harry Criticized by Justine Batemanwho accused the couple of volunteering for a “photo shoot.”
“Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a disgusting 'photo op' they have achieved. They are 'scouring damage'? Are they politicians now?” Bateman, 58, Written on X On January 11th.
Andres did not specifically address Pittman's comments during the interview the people.
However, he said that anyone who volunteers “will always have my applause and forever appreciation,” regardless of whether they are a celebrity or not.
He continued, “The hugs I've seen (they) give to people they recognize and even people they don't recognize — they're people who just want someone to listen to them and hug them.”
“The joy they bring to people, the joy they bring to first responders, or people who have lost everything…and seeing these celebrities hugging and crying with people when some of these celebrities lost their homes — they could be home but they are there,” he said.
When the fires first broke out, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex They opened their house in Montecito, California – about 80 miles from the fire – to affected friends.
Markle also postponed its release date Upcoming Netflix series, With love, Meganwhich was initially scheduled to be released on January 15. It will now premiere on March 4.
“I am grateful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those affected by the wildfires in my home state of California,” Markle said in a statement issued on January 12.