Maui, Hawaii – Media mogul Oprah Winfrey has found herself at the center of a social media storm this week, facing intense backlash over claims that her private road in Maui, Hawaii, was initially closed to the public amidst a frantic tsunami evacuation. The controversy erupted as residents desperately sought routes to higher ground following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia's eastern coast, which triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Hawaii.

Viral videos and social media posts circulated rapidly, depicting massive traffic jams on Maui's main roads as thousands attempted to flee low-lying coastal areas. Amidst the chaos, allegations surfaced that a private road, reportedly owned by Winfrey and connecting the areas of Wailea and Kula, remained inaccessible. Many online users pointed to this road as a potentially crucial shortcut that could have eased congestion and expedited evacuations.

"Oprah HAS NOT opened her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would allow coastal folks to reach higher ground quickly, locals tell me. OPEN THE ROAD, @OPRAH!" read one widely shared post on X, accompanied by a map seemingly highlighting the alleged private route versus gridlocked public roads. Another user expressed frustration, asking, "Why ON EARTH would you choose to not open your own private road that would allow people to get to higher ground safely?"

The accusations quickly gained traction, with some critics labeling Winfrey as "selfish" and questioning her commitment to the community during a crisis. The sentiment was particularly acute given Winfrey's well-known philanthropic endeavors and her significant presence on the island.

However, a spokesperson for Oprah Winfrey was quick to respond to the mounting criticism, unequivocally denying the claims that the road was ever closed. In a statement to various media outlets, the spokesperson asserted, "As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] to ensure the road was opened. Any reports otherwise are false."

The statement further clarified that "Local law enforcement are currently on site helping residents through 50 cars at a time to ensure everyone's safety. The road will remain open as long as necessary." The Maui Police Department also appeared to corroborate Winfrey's stance, issuing updates that indicated her private road was indeed open and being utilized as part of the coordinated evacuation efforts.

This is not the first time Winfrey's extensive Maui property has been the subject of public scrutiny during an emergency. During the devastating Maui wildfires in 2023, she also faced initial criticism for her presence at shelters, though she later clarified her intentions and actively contributed to relief efforts.

While official confirmations now indicate the road was made accessible, the incident highlights the intense public pressure and immediate scrutiny that prominent figures face in times of crisis, especially when perceived to hold a resource that could alleviate widespread suffering. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread on social media during emergencies, and the critical importance of verified information in guiding public response.