Sometimes, celebrities remind us that they’re not so different from those of us who don’t happen to be famous, but this is not one of those times. Actress Alyssa Milano shocked social media users recently when she posted a link to a fundraiser on GoFundMe, asking for donations for her son Milo’s baseball team. Many fans and followers were outraged that a celebrity of her stature would ask strangers on social media to financially contribute when she would have the means to support the team herself.
Alyssa has over 3 million followers on X.
My son’s baseball team is raising money for their Cooperstown trip. Any amount would be so greatly appreciated. You can read more about the team and make a donation here: https://t.co/PMV9aEFnou — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 25, 2024
The controversy began when Alyssa posted on X (formerly Twitter) to solicit donations from her followers.
“My son’s baseball team is raising money for their Cooperstown trip,” she tweeted, along with the link to the fundraiser. “Any amount would be so greatly appreciated.”
The fundraiser is asking for a lot of money.
The fundraiser has a goal of $10,000 and is about 75% funded. It is listed as being started by Milano using her married last name Bugliari on behalf of her husband, David Bugliari, an agent at top Hollywood agency CAA.
People couldn’t believe that Alyssa would ask such a thing.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alyssa Milano (@milano_alyssa)
Naturally, X users wasted no time calling Milano out for her “tone deaf” decision to ask strangers for money on social media — especially considering that the vast majority of them were likely in a less advantageous financial situation than she was.
“Girl you betta use them Charmed checks …” one person tweeted.
“Ain’t you a millionaire ? Why are you asking for money from people who are struggling?” another person commented.
“Imagine being so out of touch that you ask your followers to contribute money to your child’s trip when you have a net worth of 10 million dollars. This is gross,” someone else wrote.
Alyssa tried to defend her decision.
I’m getting media inquiries about whether I have financially contributed to my son’s baseball team. I’ve paid for uniforms for the entire team and coaches, thrown bday parties and sponsor any kid who can’t afford monthly dues. The kids also do fundraising themselves—car washes,… — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 26, 2024
Alyssa acknowledged the backlash against her, posting another tweet to try to defend herself.
“I’m getting media inquiries about whether I have financially contributed to my son’s baseball team,” her tweet began. “I’ve paid for uniforms for the entire team and coaches, thrown bday parties and sponsor any kid who can’t afford monthly dues.”
She says the team is also doing its own fundraising.
“The kids also do fundraising themselves — car washes, movie nights and many other fun things. Thank you to all who have contributed to the GoFundMe! You’ve made things easier for these boys and their families,” she said.
The team has already surpassed its goal, raising more than $11,000 as of January 29.
