Ellen DeGeneres is facing backlash on social media for her $5,000 donation to a GoFundMe campaign established for the family of Matthew Wright, a former executive producer of her talk show who died unexpectedly at age 52. DeGeneres, who has an estimated net worth of $500 million, was criticized by some users who felt her contribution was insufficient given her wealth.

Wright died on October 30 in Los Angeles following what the GoFundMe description called an "unfathomable tragedy." The fundraiser aims to help his family with funeral and memorial expenses, noting that both Wright and his husband had been laid off earlier in the summer.

DeGeneres posted a tearful video tribute to Wright, calling him "an amazing guy" and "the glue to our entire family at the Ellen Show." However, some commenters on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) questioned her donation amount.

"Big spender. She was crying her eyes out so much why didn’t she just pay the entire 50k," one user wrote, referencing the fundraising goal. Another commented, "He was freaked out because both he and his husband were out of work and they had kids to support. She is heartless," while a third called her a "cheapskate."

Others defended DeGeneres, with some questioning the need for a GoFundMe for a former executive producer of a major talk show. "Executive producer for Ellen DeGensres show needs financial help??? How can that be?" one commenter asked.

Wright worked on The Ellen DeGeneres Show for 16 years, ending his tenure when the show concluded in 2022. He previously shared a message expressing gratitude for his time on the show, stating it changed his life and allowed him to make friends and fall in love.

Andy Lassner, another executive producer on the show, shared that he had seen Wright just hours before his death. Lassner described Wright as a "brilliant producer and an even better human being" and expressed shock at his sudden passing. He also highlighted Wright's dedication to his mother, noting he flew between Los Angeles and New York almost every weekend before her death.