James Van Der Beek‘s friend Mehcad Brooks has fiercely defended the GoFundMe set up for the family after it was revealed the late actor bought a $4.8 million Texas home one month before his death.
Dawson’s Creek star Van Der Beek died following a two-year battle with colorectal cancer aged 48 on February 11, leaving behind wife Kimberly Van Der Beek, 44, and their six children.
Following his death, a GoFundMe was launched to help Kimberly and their kids with expenses as the cost of his medical care ‘left the family out of funds.’ At the time of writing over $2.6 million has been raised.
In recent days, however, eyebrows have been raised over the GoFundMe after it was reported that Van Der Beek and his wife shelled out almost $5 million for their Texas ranch just weeks ago. It has since been revealed that friends helped him buy the property. Â
Law & Order actor Brooks, 45, hit back at speculation over Van Der Beek’s finances and declared that naysayers have ‘no idea the pain’ the family went through.Â
‘I am one of the Van Der Beek’s closest friends, and the headlines are fake as f***,’ Brooks wrote on Threads in response to a social media user saying that the fundraiser ‘didn’t sit right’ with them.
‘You have no idea what the f*** you’re talking about,’ he continued.
‘You have no idea the pain they went through. It’s okay to shut the f*** up when you can’t know what the f*** you’re talking about.’
James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe page has been defended by a close friend
The Dawson’s Creek actor died February 11 leaving behind his wife Kimberly and their six kids
‘It’s okay 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 okay for you to stay quiet in the face of blind stupidity, meanness and lack of empathy. But maybe you’re not okay.’
Brooks’s message was in direct response to a social media user who wrote: ‘This doesn’t sit right with me. Not at all.
‘Sure, I get it. But thousands of people around the world face this exact situation every day and deal with the struggle. They don’t get $2.5 million. It’s just weird. He had to have had life insurance… and residual checks…’
Van Der Beek bought a 36-acre Texas ranch he had previously been renting for $4.76 million one month before he died, with assistance from his friends.
The Hollywood star and Kimberly relocated their family to Spicewood, Texas, from Los Angeles in 2020.
‘James secured down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage,’ the rep told People magazine.
The couple, who wed in 2010, opted to lease the residence to try out the new area before committing to it.
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Mehcad Brooks blasted critics of Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe and said they have ‘no idea the pain’ the family went through
Television heartthrob Van Der Beek died following a two-year battle with colorectal cancerÂ
Van Der Beek and his wife share daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four.
Property records reviewed by Realtor.com show they purchased the sprawling home for $4.76 million in an off-market deal on January 9.
Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe page was launched by his friends in the wake of his death.
‘The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,’ the description reads.
‘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.’
The message continued: ‘The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.
‘Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.Â
‘Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them.’
