Alyssa Milano, a name synonymous with Hollywood success and left-wing activism, has recently come under fire for what many see as a tone-deaf move. The actress, known for her role in the hit series “Charmed,” launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her son’s baseball team trip. This has sparked a wave of criticism across social media platforms, where users are questioning the appropriateness of a multimillionaire soliciting public donations.
The GoFundMe page, set up by Milano under her married name, aimed to collect $10,000 for travel costs, uniforms, and dues for families of the 12U baseball team, which includes her son Milo. Despite the seemingly noble cause, the campaign quickly became controversial, especially given Milano’s reported net worth and her marriage to David Bugliari, a former co-head of the motion picture department at a major talent agency.
Alyssa Milano is worth millions, but she went on Twitter to beg people much poorer than her to pay for her son’s baseball team to attend a travel tournament in Cooperstown, NY. Next level tone deaf: pic.twitter.com/TETNjLzAh7
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 26, 2024
Critics argue that Milano, who lives in a $2.5 million home in an upscale gated community, should be able to cover these expenses without reaching into the pockets of everyday people. Some have gone as far as to mock the actress on social media, creating memes and comments that suggest she ‘identifies as poor’ when it comes to paying bills. One user even donated under the pseudonym “DoesntAlyssaHaveEnoughMoney,” highlighting the perceived absurdity of the request.
In her defense, Milano has stated that she has previously paid for team uniforms and coaches, thrown birthday parties, and sponsored children unable to afford monthly dues. She also emphasized that the kids engage in their own fundraising efforts through car washes, movie nights, and other activities. Her supporters argue that her involvement in the GoFundMe was an act of solidarity with other parents and not an abdication of her financial responsibilities.
Headline-Alyssa Milano SLAMMED for sharing GoFundMe for son's baseball trip: Multimillionaire who is married to a Hollywood agent gets trolled by fans. Ron say's "no matter how rich they get; liberals will always remain hypocrites". pic.twitter.com/KD9ACMbqwi
— Ron Milner (@RonMilnerBoodle) January 26, 2024
However, this incident is not isolated from Milano’s history of controversial moments. In 2020, after publicly supporting the ‘defund the police’ movement, she faced backlash for an incident involving a 911 call over a suspected armed stalker, who turned out to be a teenager shooting squirrels with an air gun. This event, coupled with her latest fundraising endeavor, has led some to accuse her of hypocrisy and being out of touch with reality.
The backlash against Milano’s GoFundMe campaign reflects a broader conversation about wealth, privilege, and responsibility. It raises questions about the expectations placed on celebrities regarding their personal wealth and the support of community projects. While some may see her actions as a demonstration of community spirit, others view it as a failure to use her considerable resources to benefit those less fortunate.
As the debate continues, the GoFundMe page has surpassed the $7,000 mark, indicating that despite the controversy, there are individuals willing to contribute to the cause. Yet, the discourse surrounding Milano’s decision to solicit public funds remains heated, with many expressing disappointment and frustration over what they perceive as a wealthy individual asking for handouts.
This situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance public figures must maintain when engaging with their communities. While their influence can be a powerful tool for mobilizing support, it can also backfire if not handled with sensitivity to public perception and the realities of their own wealth. Milano’s case is a testament to the complexities of celebrity philanthropy and the scrutiny that accompanies it.
