Actor Mehcad Brooks publicly defended the family of the late James Van Der Beek following criticism leveled at a GoFundMe campaign established to support his widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children. Brooks, known for his roles in “Supergirl” and “Law & Order,” responded Saturday to a post on Threads questioning the need for the fundraiser given the family’s financial standing, including ownership of a Texas ranch.
According to reports, the GoFundMe campaign launched after Van Der Beek’s death on February 11, aims to cover expenses related to his medical care and the family’s future. The actor had publicly disclosed his battle with colorectal cancer in November 2024. As of Wednesday, February 19, 2026, the campaign has raised over $2.66 million, according to Yahoo Entertainment, with an average donation of $53 per donor.
Brooks’ response, shared with a screenshot of a TMZ article referencing the family’s 36-acre ranch valued at approximately $4.7 million, was direct. “I am one of the Van Der Beek’s closest friends and the headlines are fake AF you have no idea wtf you’re talking about,” he wrote. He continued, asserting that critics were unaware of the “pain they went through” and suggesting they “stfu when you can’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.” Brooks further stated that it was unacceptable to “seek attention off of other people’s suffering or the generosity in response to it,” emphasizing Van Der Beek’s decades-long impact on others.
The GoFundMe campaign organizers stated that the costs associated with Van Der Beek’s cancer treatment had depleted the family’s funds, leaving them facing an “uncertain future.” They expressed a desire to help the family remain in their home and ensure the children’s continued education and stability. The San Francisco Chronicle reported on the defense offered by Brooks.
The fundraiser has drawn scrutiny, with some questioning the necessity of public donations given the family’s assets. Comparisons have been made to other crowdfunding efforts, with Yahoo Entertainment noting that another recent campaign averaged a significantly higher donation amount per donor.
