Oprah Winfrey Faced Backlash Over Maui Road in Tsunami Alert

Photo : instagram / @oprah & AFP

American TV star and billionaire Oprah Winfrey is facing criticism on social media after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia, triggering tsunami warnings in several Pacific areas, including Hawaii.

The earthquake, one of the strongest in the Kamchatka region since 1952, caused panic in many areas. In Hawaii, traffic jams were reported as thousands of people tried to move to higher ground for safety. In the middle of this crisis, many online users started blaming Oprah for not opening her private road to help with the evacuation.

Why People Are Upset

Several videos and posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) began to circulate. They claimed that Oprah’s private road, which connects Wailea to Kula in Maui, Hawaii, could have helped many people reach safer areas faster. Users said the road would have allowed cars to skip the heavy traffic and go straight to higher ground, possibly saving time and lives.

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One post read:

“Oprah won’t open her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would make it much easier for locals to get to higher ground.”

Another person posted:

“Massive traffic in Maui with thousands trying to escape the tsunami coming. Open the road, Oprah!”

Online Debate Grows

While some users strongly criticized Oprah, others came to her defense. They pointed out that during the Maui wildfires in 2023, Oprah had opened the same road to help people escape. Many asked why she would not do the same again.

One person wrote:

“There’s no proof she hasn’t. She opened them during the fire. Why wouldn’t she now?”

This has sparked a bigger online argument, with some people discussing her wealth, race, and whether she should be expected to act in public emergencies just because she owns land in the area.

Oprah's Connection to Maui

Oprah owns almost 1,000 acres of land on the island of Maui, according to realtor.com. She has been known to help during crises in the past. In 2023, her actions were praised when she used her private property to assist during the deadly fires in Hawaii.

As of now, Oprah has not made a public statement about the recent tsunami warnings or the criticism online.

What Happened After the Earthquake

After the strong earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, several countries including Hawaii, Japan, and parts of Russia issued tsunami warnings. In Hawaii, people were told to stay away from the coast and move to higher areas. The situation caused heavy traffic jams, especially in places like Maui.

However, the danger seems to be reducing, as officials in Hawaii and other regions have now downgraded their warnings. The threat of a large tsunami wave hitting Hawaii has gone down, though people are still being told to stay alert.

What This Tells Us

This situation shows how quickly social media can spread information — sometimes before all the facts are known. It also shows how public figures like Oprah Winfrey can be drawn into controversies, even when there’s no clear proof they’ve done anything wrong.

People often look to celebrities and rich landowners during emergencies, hoping they will help in times of need. But it’s also important to check the facts before making accusations.

The earthquake and tsunami warning caused fear and panic in Hawaii and across the Pacific. As residents tried to stay safe, a debate began online about Oprah Winfrey and her private road.

While some criticized her, others defended her past actions. As of now, there is no official evidence that she refused to open her road.

Authorities have started to calm public fears by saying the tsunami risk is now lower, but this event reminds us how important clear communication and preparedness are during natural disasters.