Oprah Winfrey Refutes Claims of Blocking Private Road During Hawaii Tsunami Evacuations
Tsunami Chaos Sparks False Claims
On July 30, 2025, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, sending Hawaii into a frenzy as residents fled low-lying areas. Waves of 5.7 feet hit Kahului, Maui, and 4.9 feet struck Hilo, per The Guardian, prompting heavy traffic jams on roads like S Beretania Street in Honolulu. Amid the panic, social media erupted with claims, primarily from MAGA accounts, accusing Oprah Winfrey of refusing to open her private road in Maui, a potential lifeline for residents escaping to higher ground. Posts on X, such as one from @GeneralMCNews, claimed, “Oprah won’t open her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would make it much easier for locals to get to higher ground.” These allegations, amplified by demands like “OPEN THE ROAD OPRAH,” painted Winfrey as obstructing evacuations, intensifying public outrage during a crisis.
Oprah’s Swift Response
Winfrey, who owns a 1,600-acre estate in Maui purchased in the early 2000s, quickly countered the claims through a spokesperson, who told The Mirror, “As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened. Any reports otherwise are false.” The statement clarified that the private road, connecting Wailea to Kula, was opened immediately, with local authorities managing traffic, allowing 50 cars at a time to pass safely. A post on X from @MauiEvacHelp corroborated this, stating, “Oprah road open anyone evacuating Wailea turn Kealakapu Rd,” urging residents to use the route. Winfrey’s team emphasized that the road would remain accessible as long as needed, refuting claims like one from @Be7017604684043 alleging the gate was briefly opened then closed, which fueled skepticism. The Independent reported that Maui police confirmed the road’s use, easing tensions.
Social Media Fuels Misinformation
The accusations against Winfrey highlight the rapid spread of misinformation during crises. Posts on X, including those from @Auntie_Bellum and @TND, initially spread the claim, citing a Maui resident who said the road’s closure left them “stuck in traffic” without a vital shortcut. These claims, lacking verified evidence, were debunked by outlets like ABC13News and 7NewsDC, which labeled them “FALSE.” Reuters noted that such rumors echoed past controversies, like unproven 2023 claims that Winfrey withheld aid during Maui’s wildfires. Social media’s role was significant, with The Washington Post reporting that MAGA-aligned accounts leveraged the tsunami panic to target Winfrey, a frequent political lightning rod. Despite this, her team’s coordination with FEMA and police underscored a proactive response, though some X users remained unconvinced, citing distrust in “celebrity privilege.”
The Broader Tsunami Crisis
The Kamchatka earthquake, one of the strongest on record, caused widespread alarm, with tsunami warnings issued for Japan, the Philippines, Chile, and Pacific nations like Papua New Guinea, per NOAA. In Hawaii, Honolulu’s mayor urged residents to “get as high as you possibly can,” though Governor Josh Green later noted no “wave of consequence” materialized, per NBC News. Smaller waves, up to 130 cm in Japan’s Hokkaido and 3–4 meters in Russia’s Severo-Kurilsk, caused minor flooding but no fatalities, according to TASS. The crisis exposed vulnerabilities in evacuation routes, with traffic gridlock in Maui amplifying local frustration, as reported by Sky News. Winfrey’s road, a private 3-mile stretch, became a focal point due to its potential to bypass congested public roads, highlighting broader issues of infrastructure and access during disasters.
A Call for Clarity and Preparedness
The controversy over Winfrey’s road underscores the dangers of misinformation in high-stakes situations. While her team’s swift action quelled the rumors, the incident sparked calls for better communication during evacuations. X posts, like those from @Hawaii_EMA, stressed the need for clear public updates, while Bloomberg noted Hawaii’s ongoing efforts to improve tsunami response plans post-2011 Tōhoku. Winfrey’s spokesperson reiterated her commitment to community safety, with the road remaining open into July 31 as aftershocks persisted. The episode, while resolved, highlighted tensions between private property rights and public needs, with Forbes suggesting such disputes could push policy changes for emergency access. As tsunami advisories lingered along California’s coast, the focus shifted to ensuring robust, transparent disaster response for all.
