Purina honors Paige DeSorbo with Variety Courage Award

Purina honored television personality, author and podcast host Paige DeSorbo with the 2026 Variety Courage Award at Variety's Power of Women event in Beverly Hills, California, Sept. 23. Actress, model and entrepreneur Molly Sims, a friend of DeSorbo's, presented the award, which recognized DeSorbo for speaking publicly about surviving an abusive relationship and using her platform to help others feel less alone.

Television personality, bestselling author and podcast host Paige DeSorbo receives the Variety Courage Award sponsored by Purina at the 2026 Variety Power of Women event.Nestlé Purina PetCareIn December 2024, DeSorbo said on her "Giggly Squad" podcast that she experienced physical and emotional abuse in a relationship when she was 19 years old, an experience she had kept private for more than a decade. Her account addressed the shame and stigma survivors can face.

In presenting the award, Sims praised DeSorbo for sharing a personal experience to offer connection and hope to others.

"Paige intuitively knows that when we use our platforms and voices to champion one another, we all benefit," Sims said. "That instinct was part of what moved Paige to share her experience of surviving an abusive relationship. She told her story not to get attention, but to direct attention to an issue too many women experience in silence. There is real power in making someone feel less alone."

Sims also spoke about DeSorbo's bond with her cat, Daphne, and noted the sense of safety pets provide, which she said underscores the importance of helping survivors and their pets escape and heal together.

"When you've been through something that changes your understanding of what safety feels like, the little things that make you feel safe again can mean everything. For me, one of those things is my relationship with my cat, Daphne," DeSorbo said in her remarks. "No one should have to choose between their own safety and the pet who has helped them feel safe, loved and less alone."

The Purple Leash Project

Through a partnership between Purina and nonprofit RedRover, the Purple Leash Project supports domestic violence shelters in creating pet-friendly spaces for survivors. Nearly half, or 48%, of domestic abuse survivors report delaying their decision to leave because they cannot take their pets with them, and only 20% of domestic violence shelters nationwide currently accept pets, according to Purina.

Since 2019, Purina and RedRover have awarded more than $2.2 million in Purple Leash Project grants. The organizations are working toward a goal of providing 1 million safe nights for domestic abuse survivors and their pets by the end of 2030.

"Paige's decision to share her story is an extraordinary act of courage, one that can help people who have experienced or are experiencing abuse feel seen and less alone," said Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO of Purina. "Her bond with Daphne is also a meaningful reminder of the comfort, connection and sense of safety pets can bring as people heal from trauma. We are proud to honor Paige and to continue working through the Purple Leash Project to help create more safe spaces where survivors and the pets they love can escape and heal together."

The Variety Courage Award, presented by Purina, was established in 2024. DeSorbo is the third recipient, following actor Sarah Hyland in 2024 and gymnast Aly Raisman in 2025, both recognized for their advocacy for abuse survivors. Variety's Power of Women event, presented by Lifetime, recognizes women making an impact in entertainment, culture and their communities.

This fall, Purina is donating up to $500,000 to RedRover to expand access to pet-friendly spaces for domestic abuse survivors and their pets. More information is available at purina.com/escapetogether.