As a tsunami warning forced residents to flee, many desperately sought access to a private road owned by Oprah Winfrey — a shortcut to higher ground that could have saved crucial time. Did Oprah really block Hawaiians from escaping the disaster? After the viral claims exploded on social media, Oprah has finally responded. What did she say, and is there more to the story than we’ve been told? Find out the full details 👇👇👇

Oprah Winfrey Faces Backlash Over Private Road Access During Tsunami Evacuations in Maui

Oprah Winfrey is once again facing public scrutiny over her property in Maui, this time following a tsunami scare on the Hawaiian island. The controversy erupted when residents accused Winfrey of blocking access to her private road during evacuations, sparking a viral backlash on social media and reigniting long-standing anger among some locals.

The Tsunami Warning and Accusations

On July 29, 2025, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia triggered a tsunami that impacted the Pacific, including Hawaii. Authorities quickly issued a tsunami warning for Maui, urging residents in coastal areas to move inland and head to higher ground.

However, a tweet from conservative independent reporter Nick Sortor went viral, alleging that Winfrey’s private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, had been closed, preventing residents from escaping to safety. Sortor’s tweet featured a claim from Maui resident Shelby Hosana, who said, “I’m stuck with my children in the truck with sirens going off.” Hosana expressed frustration, claiming that if Winfrey had allowed access to the road, she could have escaped to higher ground. The tweet quickly garnered over 13.8 million views, amplifying the accusation.

Oprah’s Response: Denial and Support from Law Enforcement

Winfrey’s team quickly responded to the allegations, denying that she had blocked access to the road. “As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened. Any reports otherwise are false,” stated Winfrey’s spokesperson, adding that local authorities were on site, managing traffic and helping residents evacuate in groups of 50 cars at a time.

The Maui Police Department also supported Winfrey’s statement, issuing a press release at 7:16 p.m. on July 29, which confirmed that “Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry,” indicating that the road had been made available for evacuation purposes.

Public Backlash: Is it Enough?

Despite the clarification from Winfrey’s representatives and local law enforcement, public reaction has been overwhelmingly critical. Many commentators on social media accused Winfrey of using the situation as a public relations stunt rather than genuinely helping residents in need. “Are the locals supposed to bow at her feet for ‘opening her private road’ for evacuations?” one sarcastic commenter wrote.

Others criticized her actions, pointing out that the road had never belonged to her exclusively and that her decision to open it was not an act of heroism. “A settler opening a road that doesn’t belong to them to the public, wow, how brave… deserves a Nobel Peace Prize!” one person mockingly posted. Another commenter sarcastically added, “Oh my gosh, someone get the Nobel people on the horn STAT!”

The Bigger Picture: The People’s Fund of Maui and Winfrey’s Past Controversies

The controversy over the private road is only the latest in a series of public relations issues surrounding Winfrey’s actions in Maui. Critics have long accused her of exploiting her wealth and influence, particularly in the wake of the 2023 Maui wildfires, which caused widespread devastation.

Over 100 lives were lost in the fires, and damage was estimated to be around $5.5 billion. Winfrey, along with actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, faced online conspiracy theories accusing them of stealing funds from the People’s Fund of Maui initiative, which raised nearly $60 million to support wildfire victims. These claims, though debunked, have added to the public’s skepticism of Winfrey’s involvement in Hawaii’s recovery efforts.

The Widening Divide: Critics vs. Supporters

While Winfrey’s critics have used the tsunami road access situation to further fuel their distrust of her, others have defended her actions. Supporters argue that Winfrey’s efforts to make her private road available to those in need were a sign of her willingness to help during a crisis, and that the online backlash is disproportionate.

As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Winfrey’s involvement in Hawaii will continue to be a point of contention, or if the controversy will eventually die down. What is clear is that the ongoing tensions between Winfrey’s actions and public perception reflect deeper issues regarding privilege, public relations, and the complexities of wealth and influence in times of crisis.

Conclusion: A Continuing Saga

Oprah Winfrey’s response to the accusations regarding her private road in Maui may have quelled some of the anger, but it has only intensified the broader conversation surrounding her role in the recovery efforts on the island. The incident has once again brought to light the complex dynamics between powerful figures and local communities, especially in times of crisis. Whether Winfrey’s actions will change the public perception of her efforts or further fuel the debate about her influence in Maui remains to be seen.