Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl is defending her appearance at an animal rescue event at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, explaining in a statement, “This should not be a polarizing issue.”
“Animals don’t vote,” the 47-year-old said. “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. This event was about animal advocacy — something that has always been deeply personal to me.
“Anyone who knows me knows that protecting animals is one of my greatest passions,” Heigl continued. “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.”
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According to organizers, the three-day event raised $5.5 million for Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the largest no-kill dog rescue in America.
Afterwards, Heigl got into a war of words on Instagram (via People). One typical commenter wrote, “There are so many amazing rescues to align yourself with that aren’t hosting events there — and so many ways to get involved that aren’t putting on a dress and drinking cocktails masquerading as helping.”
“How are you so sure about that…have you been to any?” Heigl responded. “Have you donated a significant part of your income to anything? Anything you claim to care so much about? Have you done anything more than comment on what someone else is doing or not doing to your standard? Just curious…”
The actress added, “Do you care about animals? If so donate! Time! Money! Attention! Your voice! It doesn’t matter who I am only what I do. The same goes for you! Animals might not be your thing but I bet you care deeply about something that matters! Do your part! Don’t waste your time scrolling and making comments!”
