Oprah Winfrey Opens Private Maui Road Amid Tsunami Evacuation — Responds to Social Media Claims

When disaster strikes, the truth shouldn’t have to fight this hard to get heard.

This past weekend, Hawaii was under serious pressure. A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia triggered a tsunami warning across the Pacific. And with the clock ticking and people scrambling to higher ground, one name started trending: Oprah Winfrey.

Not for a new show. Not for a book club pick. But because folks believed she blocked access to a private road in Maui that could’ve helped evacuees get to safety faster.

The Internet Came for Oprah—Fast

Social media lit up like wildfire. Tweets and posts claimed that Oprah’s private road, which stretches from Wailea (a low-lying coastal area) to Kula (a safer, elevated zone), was closed off during the tsunami warning. Some even said traffic was backed up for miles while locals begged for access.

Cue the dragging. People were saying Oprah was hoarding safety, and some even accused her of putting lives in danger. It was ugly, emotional, and viral.

But was it true?

Oprah Responds

Oprah’s team clapped back quickly, telling Newsweek that the accusations were false. According to her spokesperson:

“As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened.”

Local police backed it up too, saying the road was opened at 7:16 p.m. and remained open “as long as necessary.” Cars were let through 50 at a time to keep things orderly.

So, no—Oprah didn’t lock the gates and turn her back on Maui. She reportedly worked with emergency services to help people evacuate safely.

But Social Media Says different?!

This Ain’t Oprah’s First Emergency Rodeo

Let’s not forget: Oprah owns hundreds of acres of land on Maui and has a track record of helping during disasters. Back in 2019, when wildfires hit, she opened this same road to assist with evacuations.

So, What Now?

• Oprah did open her road, according to Newsweek

• Maui police and FEMA confirmed it, according to Newsweek

• And Mother Nature doesn’t care about status, property lines, or internet beefs.

At the end of the day, we all just want to get home safe. And sometimes, instead of fighting each other, we need to focus on getting the facts straight and working together when everything’s falling apart.

Source

Newsweek