James Van Der Beek’s friend forced to defend fundraiser set up to help his family after death

A friend of the late James Van Der Beek has hit out at people's 'lack of empathy' after the fundraiser he set up for the actor's family was met with backlash.

The news broke last Wednesday (11 February) that the Dawson's Creek star had tragically passed away following a two-and-a-half-year-long battle with colorectal cancer.

The family of Van Der Beek, who was best known for playing Dawson Leery on the TV show between 1998 and 2003, shared the heartbreaking update in a social media statement, which was followed by a link to a GoFundMe that had been set up by friends.

They wrote: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.

"There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

James Van Der Beek's friend Mechad Brooks has stepped in to defend the fundraiser set up for the late actor's family (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Heartbreakingly, the actor leaves behind his wife Kimberly and their six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

Sharing the link to the fundraiser, Kimberly wrote: "My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart."

And the page's description reads: "James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026, leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children.

"Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care."

The page has received an influx of donations and currently sits at $2.6 million, as of the time of writing.

However, as reported by Variety, while most people have been supportive, the GoFundMe page has been met with some backlash on social media - and Van Der Beek's friend isn't having any of it.

Someone wrote on Threads: "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…"

The fundraiser has been set up for Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly and their six children (Instagram/vanderjames)

To which Van Der Beek's friend, actor Mehcad Brooks, replied directly with a brutal response, telling the user they have 'no idea'.

The 45-year-old True Blood star wrote: “I am one of the Van Der Beek’s closet friends and the headlines are fake AF you have no idea wtf you’re talking about."

He continued, "You have no idea the pain they went through. It’s ok to stfu when you can’t know what the f*** you’re talking about. It’s ok not to try to seek attention off of other people’s suffering or the generosity in response to it."

Speaking of the donations, Brooks added that the amount is so high '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," he savagely signed off with.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the fundraiser have also thanked the public for their generosity, writing: "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family. Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together."

You can donate to the fundraiser here.