Last month, Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson announced a fundraising campaign for the victims of the devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. Their intention with the People’s Fund of Maui was to financially assist those directly impacted by the fires. The celebrities initiated the effort with a combined donation of $10 million and sought contributions from the public.
The public’s response was a mixture of support and criticism. Many questioned the appeal for public donations given the notable wealth of both Winfrey and Johnson. According to Forbes, Winfrey boasts a net worth of $2.5 billion, while Johnson’s wealth is pegged at $270 million. Their joint donation accounts for less than half a percent of their combined fortunes.
On September 13, 2023, Winfrey, seemingly taken aback by the criticism, addressed the comments about her contribution. She became a target after a TikTok video went viral, suggesting she played a part in the Maui fires. However, no credible sources have supported this claim.
The wildfires in Maui during August were catastrophic. The fires led to the unfortunate death of at least 115 individuals and damaged or destroyed countless structures. Reports from the County of Maui on September 12 confirmed that the fire in Lahaina is now completely under control. Meanwhile, the fires in Olinda and Kula are 90% and 95% contained, respectively.
Winfrey wasn’t the only celebrity facing scrutiny. Stevie Nicks, the ex-lead singer of Fleetwood Mac, also received backlash related to the Maui fires. The reasons for these criticisms towards various celebrities are diverse, but many are believed to be based on their public actions or comments about the fires.
Despite the criticism, Winfrey’s commitment to helping the Maui community in this dire time is clear. The surprise and disappointment she expressed in response to the backlash indicate that her intentions were sincere. Throughout her career, Winfrey has been involved in several philanthropic activities, and the Maui fire relief effort is just one among them.