Oprah Winfrey is responding to a widespread rumor on social media, alleging that the previous speak present host blocked street entry amid evacuation alerts in Hawaii. For context, Hawaii was hit with an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia, sparking fears of a tsunami. The information pushed residents to seek out security amid blocked roads, grounded flights, and evacuated houses. However in a single viral social media publish, a person claimed he and different locals weren’t allowed to cross by way of Oprah’s non-public street. The publish shortly sparked public outrage.
RELATED: Clock It! Oprah Winfrey And Gayle King Handle Rumors About Being Romantically Concerned Amid Their Many years-Lengthy Friendship
Oprah Winfrey Denies Widespread Social Media Rumor
Because the publish went viral, the 71-year-old has denied that she prevented entry to her street on her Maui property throughout emergency tsunami evacuations. The allegation was that Oprah had locked a gate on her property, which compelled residents to hunt different routes as panic unfold. Oprah’s street was one of many few that locals have been directed to make use of. One viral video reshared on X confirmed a person allegedly at Oprah’s gate, demanding that locals be let by way of. This sparked social media customers to slam the billionaire, alleging she prioritized privateness over security.
However Oprah Winfrey’s staff shortly responded to the story. “As quickly as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted native legislation enforcement and FEMA to make sure the street was opened,” a spokesperson instructed Fox Information Digital.
“Any experiences in any other case are false. Native legislation enforcement are presently on web site serving to residents by way of 50 automobiles at a time to guarantee everybody’s security. The street will stay open so long as crucial.”
The Maui Police Division has since confirmed that Oprah’s gate is, in truth, open, writing in an announcement, “Oprah’s street is open to get Upcountry,” per the New York Publish. Officers didn’t disclose whether or not the gate was open on the time when complaints have been being made about street entry blockage.
Oprah’s street is the blue line: pic.twitter.com/5RhSdhJEvP
— desertatomic (@desertatomic) July 30, 2025
Social Media Reacts To Viral Video
Previous to Oprah’s rep releasing an announcement, debunking claims that her street had been blocked, social media was sounding all the way in which off! Peep what a few of them needed to say…
@Mabouyadesmers wrote, “Why is she even allowed to personal a whole street ?! Insane!”
@stringfelllowfr4 wrote, “I feel it has lastly been opened..ought to have been instantly!!! Who will get to shut a street throughout an emergency????”
@KImYooSok wrote, “Look, they simply need to drive by way of to get to security. How is that so onerous to know? Oprah Winfrey in all probability isn’t even house.”
@Atongo4gh wrote, “It’s reported that she has opened it. However nonetheless, the considered not opening it’s wickedness.”
@WeckbaughR wrote, “Non-public residents shouldn’t be allowed to purchase up massive parts of states’ infrastructure after which prohibit its utilization.”
@JLSanchez wrote, “She raised cash for the needy in TV a number of occasions. That is how she couldn’t care much less concerning the folks in Hawaii.”
@fupoa2021 wrote, “Why hasn’t the federal government established a tsunami route for evacuation? They must know ppl don’t have any method out.”
Extra On Hawaii’s Latest Tsunami Scare
On July 29, a tsunami warning was introduced in Hawaii after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit close to Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. Tens of 1000’s of residents and vacationers in coastal areas like Honolulu and Maui needed to be rushed to increased floor. This prompted roads to get blocked and flights to be canceled as waves as much as 5.7 toes hit.
Thankfully, by round 10:45 pm, the alert was downgraded, and evacuations have been formally lifted Wednesday morning. No main harm occurred, however officers warned of harmful currents within the coming days. Moreover, Governor Josh Inexperienced urged of us to remain away from seashores whereas issuing an replace on the state of affairs.
“When the water pulls again like that, meaning there’s exercise within the ocean. So once more, preserve our fingers crossed that we don’t endure a giant tsunami,” he mentioned throughout a convention, per Maui Now. “Once more, folks have been very considerate and really protected, and that’s one thing we recognize.”
In the meantime, Hawaii’s Emergency Administration Company confirmed it’s protected to return house however careworn vigilance for attainable alerts.
Not Oprah Winfrey’s First Controversy In Hawaii
Oprah confronted related criticism in August 2023, when she and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson launched a fundraising marketing campaign for Maui wildfire victims. Their Folks’s Fund of Maui, which urged public donations, sparked outrage amongst those that believed Oprah’s estimated $3 billion fortune ought to have coated the prices. Moreover, of us on social media argued she shouldn’t have requested common folks to chip in whereas proudly owning intensive island property.
However the fund was swiftly defended not simply by her staff however by Oprah herself. Throughout an look on ‘CBS Mornings’ in September 2023, she addressed the backlash, saying she’d been “vilified” on-line.
“I used to be so excited, and I obtained up the following morning and I noticed all of this vitriol, and I used to be like, woah, what occurred right here?” She added, “So the entire on-line… assaults, lies, conspiracy theories actually took the main target off of what was an important factor, and that was the folks of Maui.”
Regardless of the clarification, nonetheless, many continued to name her actions tone-deaf, fueling ongoing debate.
@cbsmornings Oprah Winfrey responds to on-line criticism concerning the creation of the Folks’s Fund of Maui: “Assaults, lies, conspiracy theories actually took the main target off of what was an important factor and that was the folks of Maui.” #information #oprah #maui
RELATED: Clocked It! Oprah Winfrey & Bishop T.D. Jakes Handle Rumors About Attending Diddy’s Events (WATCH)
What Do You Assume Roomies?
