Celebrities rushed to defend James Van Der Beek's widow: 'Heartbreaking'
Celebrities are publicly supporting Kimberly Van Der Beek, widow of actor James Van Der Beek, in her fundraising efforts following his passing due to cancer treatments that left the family in financial strain.
In a show of solidarity, numerous celebrities are coming forward to support Kimberly Van Der Beek, the widow of American actor James Van Der Beek, amidst criticism regarding a GoFundMe campaign set up to aid the family financially after his passing. The campaign was initiated to cover the family's living expenses, bills, and the education of their six children, ranging from a 4-year-old to a 15-year-old. This response follows news that the actor's cancer treatments had left the family struggling financially.
As of now, the GoFundMe campaign has been remarkably successful, raising approximately $2.6 million (around €2.2 million) with contributions from numerous supporters, including notable figures such as filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, who donated $25,000 (just over €21,000) to the cause. The overwhelming public support emphasizes the compassionate response from the community and highlights the urgency of the family's situation, given the young ages of their children.
However, the campaign has faced scrutiny, as some individuals have questioned the family's financial needs, citing James Van Der Beek's previous success in Hollywood. Critics argue that the wealth accumulated by the actor should negate the need for fundraising, sparking a divisive debate regarding the appropriateness of relying on public donations in such circumstances. Nevertheless, the campaign continues to receive significant backing as more people rally to support Kimberly and her family during this difficult time.