Katherine Heigl hits back at fans over Mar-a-Lago animal fundraiser: ‘Animals don’t vote’

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Actress Katherine Heigl is pushing back after facing criticism for attending a charity event held at Mar-a-Lago.

The former ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star walked the red carpet at the Wine, Women & Shoes Benefiting Big Dog Ranch Rescue fundraiser on Sunday, marking her first red carpet appearance in two years.

Katherine Heigl responded to critics after attending a dog rescue event at Mar-a-Lago. The actress drew backlash from some social media users for appearing at the Trump-owned property for the Big Dog Ranch Rescue charity fundraiser.

Katherine Heigl defends attending Mar-a-Lago animal charity event after backlash online

The event took place at the Palm Beach estate owned by Donald Trump and was co-chaired by his daughter-in-law Lara Trump.

After photos from the event circulated online, Heigl faced criticism from some social media users who questioned why she attended a fundraiser hosted at Trump’s property. In response, the actress made it clear that her focus was solely on helping animals.

“Animals don’t vote. The only room they don’t like is the euthanasia room at a shelter,” Heigl said in a statement obtained by Page Six.

“They are completely at the mercy of us, and they have no voice of their own.”

Katherine Heigl says Mar-a-Lago event focused on animal advocacy

Heigl stressed that the fundraiser had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with supporting animals in need.

“This event was about animal advocacy — something that has always been deeply personal to me,” she explained. “Anyone who knows me knows that protecting animals is one of my greatest passions.”

At the event, Heigl was photographed with several well-known personalities, including former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro and dog trainer Cesar Millan, widely known as the “Dog Whisperer.”

The actress also shared that the fundraiser was a major success in helping animals. According to Heigl, the event raised more than $5 million for animals that need care, shelter and new homes.

“As a society, we should all come together to protect the voiceless and the innocent,” she said. “This should not be a polarizing issue.”

Katherine Heigl highlights long history of animal rescue work

Heigl also highlighted her ongoing work with the Jason Heigl Foundation, which she founded with her mother Nancy Heigl.

Her mother accompanied her to the fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago. The charity is named after Heigl’s late brother Jason, who died in a car accident. Through the foundation, Heigl and her family have spent years working to rescue, heal and rehome animals while also addressing cruelty and overpopulation years working to rescue, heal and rehome animals while also addressing cruelty and overpopulation.

Because of that long-standing commitment, the actress suggested that the criticism surrounding the fundraiser misses the larger point. For Heigl, the focus remains on helping animals that cannot speak for themselves.

Katherine Heigl claps back at critics on social media

Despite her explanation, some social media users continued to criticize the actress online.

Several comments appeared under an Instagram post from the celebrity news page Just Jared discussing Heigl’s statement. The actress directly responded to some of the remarks.

When one user asked, “Who even is she?” Heigl fired back with a blunt response.

“Doesn’t matter. Do you care about animals? If so donate! Time! Money! Attention! Your voice!” she wrote.

“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!”