Jill Biden Loses Bid to Guest Star on 'Heated Rivalry'

Former First Lady Outbid at LGBTQ+ Charity Auction

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a surprise appearance at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center's annual Center Dinner, former First Lady Jill Biden bid $35,000 for a chance to guest star on the hit TV show 'Heated Rivalry,' but was quickly outbid. The intense bidding war led the show's producers to add two walk-on roles for the top bidder at $125,000 each, resulting in a $250,000 donation to The Center.

Why it matters

Jill Biden's attempt to guest star on 'Heated Rivalry' highlights her continued support for the LGBTQ+ community, even after leaving the White House. The charity auction raised over $2 million for The Center, an organization that has provided a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers since the height of the AIDS crisis.

The details

At the beginning of the event, Jill Biden was welcomed with a standing ovation by the audience for the work she and her husband, former President Joe Biden, have done for the LGBTQ+ community. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, also known as The Center, was established in 1983 to 'provide a safe and affirming place for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers to respond to the urgent threats facing the community.' Thursday's event celebrated LGBTQ+ community icons and allies, including 'Heated Rivalry' producers Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, Brooks Brothers Brand CEO Ken Ohashi, and Gilead Sciences.

  • The event took place on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • Jill Biden bid $35,000 for the chance to guest star on 'Heated Rivalry' during the event.

The players

Jill Biden

The former First Lady of the United States, known for her advocacy work and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center

Also known as The Center, an organization established in 1983 to provide a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.

Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady

The producers of the hit TV show 'Heated Rivalry,' who were honored at the event.

Ken Ohashi

The CEO of Brooks Brothers Brand, who was also honored at the event.

Gilead Sciences

A pharmaceutical company that was recognized for its contributions at the event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Guess I won't be heading to the cottage after all—but it was worth a shot! What a wonderful evening supporting @LGBTCenterNYC.”

— Jill Biden

The takeaway

Jill Biden's unsuccessful bid to guest star on 'Heated Rivalry' demonstrates her continued commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, even after leaving the White House. The charity auction raised a significant amount of money for The Center, an organization that has provided a vital safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals in New York City for over 40 years.