- - Steven Spielberg Called ‘Cheapskate’ For Donation to James Van Der Beek's GoFundMe

Jane LaCroixFebruary 13, 2026 at 10:51 PM

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Photo by JB Lacroix/WireImage & Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

Steven Spielberg’s latest donation proves that no good deed goes unpunished.

After news broke that Spielberg contributed $25,000 to James Van Der Beek’sGoFundMefollowing the actor’s death, social media quickly lit up with opinions—with reactions ranging from heartfelt praise to sharp criticism.

As previously reported, Spielberg, 79, and his wife Kate Capshawdonated the large sum to the fundraiser created to support Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, and their six children after the actor died from colorectal cancer on February 11 at age 48. The campaign, which initially aimed to raise $250,000, has since surged well past $2 million almost 40,000 donations.

Spielberg’s connection to the late actor runs deeper than a donation. On Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek’s aspiring filmmaker character Dawson Leery idolized Spielberg, and the director even appeared virtually at a recent cast reunion benefiting Van Der Beek. “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet,” Spielberg said at the event.

READ MORE: Steven Spielberg Donates Staggering Amount to James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe After Actor’s Death

Still, not everyone was impressed by the size of the filmmaker’s contribution.

“Steven Spielberg donating $25k is like me donating $25,” one user wrote on X. Another added, “$25k to SS is like finding a couple of quid down the back of the sofa.”

On Threads, one commenter said, “Steven Spielberg donated $25,000. That’s still not a lot,” while another argued, “If I have the money that Steven Spielberg has I will donate easily 2 million in a lump sum.”

Steven Spielberg donating $25k is like me donating $25

— Brad (@itsmeBradMC) February 13, 2026

Another user accused Spielberg of being cheap, writing: “Stephen Spielberg is worth 5.2 Billion dollars….This makes him look like a cheapskate.”

Others defended the gesture. “That’s actually really beautiful considering the Dawson’s Creek connection,” one X user wrote. Another simply called it “kind” and “a nice tribute.”

Van Der Beek, best known for his starring role in Dawson’s Creek, publicly revealed his diagnosis in November 2024. “I have colorectal cancer,” he shared at the time. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.” The cancer was discovered after a routine colonoscopy in August 2023.

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”