- Oprah Winfrey denied claims she kept her private road closed during Hawaii’s tsunami warnings.
- The Maui Police Department confirmed the road was open for evacuations.
- Social media backlash surged despite official statements disproving the rumors.
Amid tsunami warnings in Hawaii, Oprah Winfrey faced backlash over claims she refused to open her private road for evacuations.
Social media erupted with accusations, but the media mogul and her team swiftly denied them. Officials confirmed the road was accessible, yet the controversy sparked heated debates online. Here’s what really happened.
The Viral Backlash and Oprah’s Response
As tsunami alerts swept Hawaii following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia, residents rushed to higher ground. Traffic gridlock led to frustration, with some blaming Winfrey for keeping her private road closed.
One X user wrote,
“Oprah won’t open her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would make it much easier for locals to escape”.
Another added,
“Massive traffic in Maui with thousands trying to flee the tsunami. Open the road, Oprah!”.
However, Winfrey’s spokesperson clarified,
“As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened. Any reports otherwise are false”.
Official Confirmation and Public Reaction
The Maui Police Department confirmed the road’s accessibility in their tsunami advisory, stating,
“Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry.”
Despite this, some social media users insisted the access was delayed.
One viral post claimed,
“After massive public uproar and intervention from President Trump, Oprah finally opened her private road”.
However, no evidence supported this claim. Others defended Winfrey, noting her history of opening the road during past emergencies, like the 2023 wildfires.
Why This Controversy Matters
Winfrey owns over 2,000 acres in Maui, including a private road connecting Wailea to Kula. While legally private, its use in emergencies has sparked debates on celebrity responsibility.
Critics argued, “Blocking an escape route in a crisis is inhumane.” Supporters countered,
“She opened it during fires, why wouldn’t she now?”.
The conflicting narratives highlight how misinformation spreads during disasters.
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Last Updated on July 30, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
