Backlash at Mar-a-Lago

John Stamos is speaking out after photos of him attending an event at Mar-a-Lago sparked confusion—  and criticism — among fans.

Over the weekend, the Full House actor was seen dressed in a tuxedo at a formal event inside the Florida resort owned by former President Donald Trump. The images circulated quickly online, leaving many followers wondering why the beloved actor would appear at such a politically charged location.

On Monday, April 7, Stamos addressed the reaction in a series of Instagram Stories, explaining the reason behind his appearance. He had accepted an invitation to emcee the Palm Beach Ray of Hope Gala, a fundraiser supporting The Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations — a nonprofit that trains hundreds of nurses each year to help combat the ongoing healthcare shortage in Palm Beach County.

“Supporting nurses isn’t political — it’s essential,” Stamos wrote. “These are the people who care for us and our families when we need it most, and I believe we should show up for them with the same unwavering dedication they show up with every single day.”

The 61-year-old emphasized that the event was nonpartisan, focused solely on honoring frontline healthcare workers — not politics. He also made it clear that his values have not changed, and encouraged fans to support causes they believe in, whether that means donating to the Ray of Hope initiative or to Democracy Forward, a nonprofit legal advocacy group that works to uphold democratic principles.

Fan reactions were mixed but largely supportive. Some voiced disappointment over the venue choice, while others thanked Stamos for his transparency. One comment read, “There are many other places to support future nurses I know you know that. Appreciate you being transparent.”

Beyond addressing the controversy, Stamos has continued to spotlight other causes. He recently posted a video promoting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and earlier this month, he shared uplifting news about his friend and Full House co-star Dave Coulier, who successfully beat stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Stamos celebrated his friend’s strength and resilience, noting that humor helped carry them through difficult days.

While the Mar-a-Lago photos may have surprised fans, Stamos is standing firm in his commitment to support healthcare workers and spread hope—regardless of the setting.