Friends of James Van Der Beek have come out in support of the star's family following a backlash to a GoFundMe page set up in James' honour to "help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education".

Dawson's Creek star James tragically died at the age of 48 on 11 February, three years after he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He left behind wife Kimberly and their six children, daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwen, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.

Kimberly announced the news of her husband's death in a touching Instagram post, saying he "passed away peacefully" and "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace". A short time later, the GoFundMe was set up in light of the costly medical bills incurred as a result of James's illness. To date, it has raised more than $2.6 million (£1.9million).

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But while the family has received an outpouring of emotional and financial support - including from director Steven Spielberg, who donated $25,000 - some have questioned why the family needs financial assistance, given James's fame. Furthermore, it was recently revealed that in the weeks before his death, the late star had purchased a ranch in Texas for $4.76million (£3.3million) – further adding to criticism of the GoFundMe.

However, a representative has now responded and clarified that the down payment for the property, which the family had previously been renting, was achieved through the assistance of friends. "James secured down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage," they told People.

Furthermore, James's friends have started to address the backlash, with Broadway star Donna Vivino leading the charge. "Not everything is what it looks like online. A little context goes a long way," she wrote on Instagram. "For those of you attacking James Van Der Beek's wife for having a GoFundMe may I give you some FACTS?!

Vivino noted that the "family [does] not OWN the farm they live on, they were renting," and that they were not living off Dawson's Creek residuals. In 2012, James himself admitted that "there was no residual money" from the hit show. "I was 20. It was a bad contract," he told Today. "I saw almost nothing from that."

Vivino further added that months before his death, James had even started auctioning off memorabilia from his career to help support himself and his family. And she highlighted that "cancer treatment is effin expensive even WITH insurance".

"Heartbreaking that you even needed to make this post," Yellowstone actor Hassie Harrison commented on Vivino's post. "How can people be so rotten."

The description for the GoFundMe donation page describes the actor as "a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him".

"Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care. In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future.

"The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.

"Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives."

The organisers have since thanked donors "from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family". "Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James's spirit continues to bring people together," read a statement posted on the fundraising page.

"Right now, the family is taking time to mourn and be with one another. We kindly ask members of the media and the public to give them space and privacy as they walk through this painful season. Your respect and understanding will give them the room they need to heal."