Katherine Heigl Defends Attending Charity Event at Trump's Mar-a-Lago

The actress says the event was about animal advocacy, not politics.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:34pm

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Katherine Heigl has addressed the backlash over her attendance at an animal charity event held at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Heigl, who has long been an advocate for animal welfare through her Jason Heigl Foundation, said the event raised over $5 million to help pets in need and that 'animals don't vote' when it comes to political affiliations.

Why it matters

Heigl's attendance at the event at Trump's resort has sparked controversy, as many have criticized the actress for associating with the former president. However, Heigl has emphasized that the event was focused solely on animal advocacy, which has been a longtime passion of hers.

The details

Heigl and her mother, Nancy Heigl, have worked together for years on advocacy for animal rescues through the Jason Heigl Foundation, named after the actress' late brother. The event they attended at Mar-a-Lago was the Wine, Women & Shoes benefit supporting Big Dog Ranch House. Other celebrities in attendance included Jeanine Pirro and Cesar Millan.

  • The event took place on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • Heigl made her first public appearance in years at the event.

The players

Katherine Heigl

A 47-year-old actress known for her roles in films and TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, who has been a longtime advocate for animal welfare through her Jason Heigl Foundation.

Nancy Heigl

Katherine Heigl's mother, who has worked with her on animal advocacy efforts through the Jason Heigl Foundation.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, whose Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, hosted the animal charity event that Katherine Heigl attended.

Lara Trump

The honorary co-chair of the Wine, Women & Shoes benefit event at Mar-a-Lago that Heigl attended.

Jason Heigl

Katherine Heigl's late brother, after whom the Jason Heigl Foundation was named.

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What they’re saying

“Animals don't vote. The only room they don't like is the euthanasia room at a shelter. They are completely at the mercy of us, and they have no voice of their own.”

— Katherine Heigl, Actress

“My mother, Nancy, and I have spent years advocating for animals through the Jason Heigl Foundation. As a society, we should all come together to protect the voiceless and the innocent. This should not be a polarizing issue.”

— Katherine Heigl, Actress

What’s next

The event organizers plan to continue their efforts to raise funds and awareness for animal welfare causes in the future.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges of separating political affiliations from important charitable causes, especially when it comes to issues like animal welfare that many people feel passionately about regardless of their political leanings.