Backlash Hits Oprah After Poor Response to Maui Wildfires
Television host Oprah Winfrey is facing criticism over her reaction to the Maui wildfires. She reportedly tried to film survivors with a television crew.
The Maui wildfire crisis has wreaked havoc in Hawai’i since August 8.
According to Hawai’i Tourism Authority, the situation has resulted in the displacement of citizens and limitations on travel: “Wildfires have resulted in the evacuations of thousands of residents and visitors, and multiple closures of major roadways on Maui.”
The U.S. wildfire was reportedly the deadliest in over a century. It resulted in devastating losses of human life, and also “destroyed or damaged more than 2,200 buildings, 86 [percent] of them residential, causing an estimated $5.5 billion in damage.”
Fleeing the wildfires in Maui. pic.twitter.com/lzJsiVp0O2
— StrictlyChristo (@StrictlyChristo) August 9, 2023
In response to this crisis, Winfrey spoke out to support Hawai’i. In a social media post, she wrote how she will help Maui rebuild in the aftermath of this tragedy. Furthermore, she stated that she will make a “major donation” to support the recovery of the land.
Oprah Winfrey, who owns 2,000 acres of land on Maui and lives there part time, says she is going to make a major donation towards recovery efforts “once all the smoke and ash has settled and we figure out what the rebuilding is going to look like.” pic.twitter.com/5tqoSh41xL
— Yashar Ali (@yashar) August 14, 2023
However, many people were unimpressed with Winfrey’s methods of support. It was reported that the celebrity was turned away from entering a shelter with a news crew. This was viewed by the public as exploitative and disrespectful. One of the common criticisms has been that the television host is not using all of her resources, such as her expansive land for refuge. Additionally, some criticize Winfrey’s possession of a large plot of Maui land. Some Lāhainā residents worry that this crisis will be exploited so that the land is taken from native residents.
Do you think Oprah will take advantage of the fire Maui and buy more land ?
— Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) August 14, 2023
Her home and her 1000 Acres in Maui were untouched! She’s been looking for land.
Raise your hand if you don’t put it past Oprah to profit off this fire and take land from people
The situation in Maui continues to develop, as many are still missing with even more harmed and displaced. We want to maintain a focus on the tragedy itself and provide help and support to those that have suffered from this crisis.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected. To stay updated on the wildfires, you can follow the Hawai’i Tourism Authority’s updates here.