A close friend of James Van Der Beek is pushing back against criticism of the late actor’s family for launching an online fundraiser aimed at covering his expenses following his death last week.

On Saturday, actor Mehcad Brooks issued a fiery response to a Threads user who questioned the Van Der Beek family’s motivations while sharing a screenshot of a TMZ article referring to their Texas ranch, reportedly situated on 36 acres and valued at around $4.7 million.

“I’m one of Van Der Beek’s closest friends and the headlines are false, you have no idea what you’re talking about,” wrote Brooks, whose Hollywood credits include “Supergirl” and “Law & Order.” “You have no idea the pain they went through. It’s okay to stay still when you can’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

“It’s okay not to try to divert attention from other people’s suffering or the generosity in response to it. Because James touched them for decades,” he continued. “It’s okay to stay silent in the face of blind stupidity, pettiness, and lack of empathy. But maybe you’re not okay.”

James Van Der Beek died on February 11 from colorectal cancer at age 48. The “Dawson’s Creek” actor made his cancer diagnosis public in November 2024.

Immediately following James Van Der Beek’s death, family friends launched a GoFundMe campaign in support of his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children, who “face an uncertain future.”

“James’ medical care costs and prolonged fight against cancer have left the family strapped for funds,” campaign organizers wrote. “They are working hard to remain in their home to ensure that children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.”

Friend of James Van Der Beek gives fierce response to those who criticize the family
“You have no idea the pain they suffered,” actor Mechad Brooks (right) said of his friend James Van Der Beek’s family.

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As of Tuesday, GoFundMe had raised more than $2.6 million in donations, including $25,000 from director Steven Spielberg. At the same time, Kimberly Van Der Beek found herself receiving backlash online when it was reported that she and James Van Der Beek had purchased their ranch in January after renting the property since 2020.

A representative for James Van Der Beek put an end to the speculation on Saturday, telling People that the actor and his wife came up with a down payment on the house “with the help of friends through a trust.”

Although James Van Der Beek had kept a lower profile after sharing his cancer diagnosis, he continued to work and appeared in the Amazon Prime Video series “Overcompensating,” starring Benito Skinner, last year. Her last on-screen appearance will be in “Elle,” the upcoming “Legally Blonde” prequel series produced by Reese Witherspoon.

Still, the actor previously acknowledged receiving “almost nothing” in residuals from “Dawson’s Creek” and hinted at financial concerns in recent years. In November, he put a number of personal memorabilia up for auction, including props and costumes from “Dawson’s Creek” and the 1990s comedy-drama “Varsity Blues,” to help pay for his medical expenses.