Alyssa Milano slams people trolling her son over sports team fundraiser: 'Horrid'
Alyssa Milano is not backing down after people criticized her for requesting donations for her son's baseball team.
The actress took to Instagram Thursday to again defend the move and called out "trolls" for being "hurtful."
"Every parent raises money for their child’s sports teams and many of them do so through GoFundMe. I am no different," she captioned screenshots of people commenting on her son Milo Bugliari's photos. "As much as I’d love to pay for the entire team and their families for travel, transportation, hotel, food and beverage, uniforms, trading pins and all the things teams do for this kind of trip — I can not afford to do so. Maybe someday."
The "Charmed" star continued: "Also, if I did pay for everyone — my trolls would find something else to be hurtful about."
Milano first faced backlash after asking fans to donate to a fundraiser for her son's baseball team.
"My son's baseball team is raising money for their Cooperstown trip," the actress wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, late last month. "Any amount would be so greatly appreciated."
She linked to a GoFundMe page, which was created in May 2023, that seeks $10,000 for the team's travel fund.
In her Instagram post, Milano slammed people taking out their frustrations on her 12-year-old son.
"Regardless of how you feel about me, going on to my hardworking 12 year old son’s Instagram page and leaving these kinds of messages is so horrid. Leave the kids alone. Let them play baseball," she wrote. "If you are against donating — don’t donate. If you’d like to donate to help the team’s families — we appreciate it — the link is in his bio."
"Hey thank you for helping abandoned dogs out!! I hope your mother who has a net worth of 10 million dollars donated to the shelter????" read one Instagram comment on Milo's page, after he posted about his time volunteering at a dog shelter. "ALSO knowing she has this money she should not be asking middle income people from society to donate to a baseball team. It's beyond ridiculous and selfish of her. Talk to your mom."
Milo responded: "You do realize I'm only 12 and I love my mom. My mom is the greatest human of all time. She does everything for everyone."
Alyssa Milano sparks criticism after seeking donations to son's baseball team
Critics have slammed Milano for asking fans to pitch in financially, with some asking why the actress could not cover the costs personally.
"You are a damned Millionaire," one X post said. "Pay for your son's trip yourself."
"Girl they still play 'Charmed' on TNT," another user wrote.
Milano responded to inquiries about whether she has contributed to the team.
Alyssa Milano sparks criticism after seeking donations to 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," she wrote on X. "The kids also do fundraising themselves - car washes, movie nights, and many other fun things!"
She added, "Thank you to all who have contributed to the gofundme! You've made things easier for these boys and their families."
Some defended Milano amid the backlash, with one X user calling the complaints "petty" and asking, "Is Milano supposed to pay for everything her son's baseball team does? It's normal for parents to help raise money. It's normal to ask a famous parent to spread the word."
Contributing: Brendan Morrow
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alyssa Milano slams people going after son following fundraiser debate
