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Actress Katherine Heigl Faces Backlash for Attending Charity Event at Mar-a-Lago
The Grey's Anatomy star fires back at critics who accused her of supporting Trump by attending a fundraiser at the former president's club.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:20pm
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Hollywood actress Katherine Heigl attended a charity event at Mar-a-Lago, the club owned by former President Donald Trump, which sparked intense criticism from many on the political left. Heigl, a longtime animal advocate, attended the Wine, Women & Shoes annual fundraiser, which raised $5.5 million for a no-kill animal shelter. However, some accused Heigl of supporting Trump due to the involvement of his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as a co-chair of the event. Heigl fired back at her critics, stating that animal advocacy is a deeply personal issue for her and that protecting animals should not be a polarizing issue.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the growing political polarization in the United States, where even charitable events can become embroiled in partisan debates. It also raises questions about the extent to which public figures can engage in non-political activities without being accused of taking political stances.
The details
Heigl attended the Wine, Women & Shoes annual fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, her first red carpet event in two years. Many on the political left immediately criticized her for attending an event at a venue associated with former President Trump. Some accused Heigl of supporting Trump and his policies, while others simply expressed outrage at her presence at the event.
- Heigl attended the charity event on Sunday, March 12, 2026.
- The Wine, Women & Shoes annual fundraiser raised $5.5 million for a no-kill animal shelter.
The players
Katherine Heigl
A Hollywood actress best known for her role in the popular TV series Grey's Anatomy. Heigl is a longtime advocate for animal welfare and co-founded the Jason Heigl Foundation.
Lara Trump
The daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, who served as a co-chair of the Wine, Women & Shoes annual fundraiser event.
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 (Variety)
“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 (Variety)
What’s next
The organizers of the event have stated that they raised $5.5 million for a no-kill animal shelter, which will be used to support their ongoing efforts to protect and care for animals in need.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the challenges that public figures can face when trying to engage in non-political activities, as even charitable events can become embroiled in partisan debates. It also underscores the importance of finding common ground and coming together to address important issues, such as animal welfare, that should not be polarizing.
