Oprah Winfrey has faced accusations that her private road on Maui was closed during a tsunami evacuation, but her spokesperson has denied the claims, labeling them as false. The billionaire is said to have taken immediate action by contacting local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened for residents fleeing to safety, according to statements shared with Fox News Digital.
Rumors about the closed road began circulating online after a video was shared on social media, showing a man outside the property with police guarding the area. The man, seen in the video, reportedly called out for help, but Winfrey’s office has dismissed such claims as unfounded. Authorities confirmed that the road was operational during the emergency and that resources are being coordinated to assist all evacuees.
A tsunami warning was issued following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia, leading to evacuations across parts of Hawaii. The incident has drawn attention to the role of private landowners in disaster preparedness and emergency response, with Winfrey’s actions highlighting a commitment to community safety, despite the controversy surrounding the road’s accessibility.
The controversy also brings to light past incidents involving Winfrey’s Maui property, including the arrest of two men for suspected illegal hunting on a public road in June 2024. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) confirmed that the arrests occurred on a public road, not on Winfrey’s private property, and emphasized the ongoing cooperation between local authorities and landowners to prevent illegal activities.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has since confirmed that the evacuation order has been lifted for coastal inundation zones, urging people to exercise caution upon returning to their areas. This underscores the broader impact of natural disasters and the need for coordinated efforts between individuals and government agencies to ensure public safety and swift recovery.