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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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Katherine Heigl has addressed criticism after attending a high‑profile animal welfare fundraiser held at President Donald Trump’s Mar‑a‑Lago resort in Florida.
The 27 Dresses actor, 47, attended the three‑day Wine, Women & Shoes fundraising event on Sunday in support of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the largest no‑kill dog shelter in the United States.
Following backlash online, Heigl responded to the criticism in a statement to Page Six, emphasizing that her involvement was rooted in animal advocacy rather than politics. Newsweek reached out to representatives for Katherine Heigl for comment via email.
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"Animals don’t vote. The only room they don’t like is the euthanasia room at a shelter," the statement reads. "They are completely at the mercy of us, and they have no voice of their own."
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"This event was about animal advocacy—something that has always been deeply personal to me," she continued. "Anyone who knows me knows that protecting animals is one of my greatest passions."
The appearance marked Heigl’s first red-carpet event in two years. The fundraiser was co‑chaired by Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump and wife of Eric Trump. Lara Trump has been a prominent political figure within the Republican Party and previously served as a senior adviser to Trump’s campaigns.
Photos from the event show Heigl posing with several attendees, including Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News host and current United States attorney for the District of Columbia, as well as celebrity dog trainer Cesar Millan, widely known as the "Dog Whisperer."
Despite the charity focus, Heigl faced a wave of criticism from fans opposed to MAGA‑aligned politics. Negative reactions appeared on her Instagram page as well as on a Just Jared post covering the criticism.
"Nah. Nothing could get me to attend an event there. NOTHING," one user commented.
"Then go to any animal shelter in the USA and volunteer and donate…why there?" wrote another user named Lindsey.
Others, however, defended the actor and praised her long‑standing commitment to animal welfare.
"Such an amazing woman and actress," wrote Gregorio.
"One of the best animal rescues, Big Dog Ranch Rescue. We have a beautiful dog from them," shared Amanda.
Heigl has been involved in animal rescue and advocacy for nearly two decades. In 2008, she and her mother, Nancy Heigl, founded the Jason Heigl Foundation, named in honor of Heigl’s late brother. The foundation is dedicated to ending animal cruelty and abuse, and supports spay‑and‑neuter initiatives, adoption programs and rescue efforts nationwide.
Heigl also has a brand called Badlands Ranch, a premium dog food company created with the aim of helping more canines live healthier lives.
A portion of proceeds from the brand supports the Jason Heigl Foundation’s animal welfare initiatives.
While the Mar‑a‑Lago setting sparked political controversy, Heigl has made clear that her participation was driven solely by her commitment to animal rescue—a cause she has consistently supported throughout her career.
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