A close friend of the late actor James Van Der Beek is launching a passionate defense against mounting criticism directed at the Van Der Beek family regarding their recently launched online fundraiser. The campaign was established to assist with expenses following James Van Der Beek's tragic death from colorectal cancer last week at the age of forty-eight.
Fiery Response to Online Critics
On Saturday, actor Mehcad Brooks, known for his roles in "Supergirl" and "Law & Order," issued a blistering retort to a Threads user who questioned the family's motivations. The criticism emerged alongside a screenshot of a TMZ article referencing the family's Texas ranch, a property reportedly spanning thirty-six acres with an estimated value of approximately $4.7 million.
"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," Brooks wrote emphatically. "You have no idea the pain they went through. It's ok to stfu when you can't know what the fuck you're talking about."
Addressing the Backlash
Brooks continued his defense, stating, "It's ok not to try to seek attention off of other people's suffering or the generosity in response to it. Because James touched them for decades. It's ok for you to stay quiet in the face of blind stupidity, meanness and lack of empathy. But maybe you're not okay."
James Van Der Beek, the beloved star of "Dawson's Creek," publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in November 2024. His passing on February 11th prompted an immediate outpouring of support from friends and fans alike.
The GoFundMe Campaign Details
In the wake of his death, family friends initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children, who are described as "facing an uncertain future." The campaign organizers explained, "The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time."
As of Tuesday, the fundraiser had garnered more than $2.6 million in donations, including a notable contribution of $25,000 from acclaimed director Steven Spielberg.
Clarifying Financial Speculation
However, Kimberly Van Der Beek faced significant online backlash when reports surfaced that she and James had purchased their ranch in January, after renting the property since 2020. A representative for James Van Der Beek moved to quell speculation on Saturday, telling People magazine that the actor and his wife secured a down payment on the home "with the help of friends through a trust."
Van Der Beek's Final Projects and Financial Struggles
Despite maintaining a lower profile after his diagnosis, James Van Der Beek continued to work. He appeared on the Amazon Prime Video series "Overcompensating," starring Benito Skinner, last year. His final on-screen appearance will be in "Elle," the forthcoming "Legally Blonde" prequel series produced by Reese Witherspoon.
Nevertheless, the actor had previously acknowledged receiving "almost nothing" in residuals from "Dawson's Creek" and hinted at financial concerns in recent years. In a poignant move last November, he auctioned numerous personal mementos, including props and costumes from "Dawson's Creek" and the '90s comedy-drama "Varsity Blues," to help cover his mounting medical expenses.
