• 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 was abuzz with allegations, but the media mogul and her team quickly refuted them. Officials confirmed the road was open, yet the controversy ignited passionate discussions online. Here’s the true story.

The Viral Backlash and Oprah’s Response

After an 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia prompted tsunami warnings in Hawaii, locals scrambled to reach higher ground. The ensuing traffic jam caused frustration, with some accusing Winfrey of not opening her private road.

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”.

No evidence, however, substantiated this accusation. Some defended Winfrey, highlighting her record of making the road accessible during past crises, such as the 2023 wildfires.

Why This Controversy Matters

Winfrey owns more than 2,000 acres in Maui, which includes a private road linking Wailea to Kula. While it remains legally private, its use in emergencies has fueled discussions about the responsibilities of celebrities.

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