Staff Reports
False claims about Oprah Winfrey blocking her private Maui road during tsunami warnings spread like wildfire across social media this week. The rumors claimed the media mogul refused to let desperate families use her property to escape to higher ground. But these viral posts were completely wrong.
A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s coast on July 29, triggering tsunami warnings across Hawaii and the Pacific. Thousands of Maui residents rushed to evacuate coastal areas and head to safety inland. Traffic jams formed as people fled the potential danger.
Oprah’s spokesperson quickly set the record straight about what really happened. Her team contacted local law enforcement and FEMA immediately after hearing the tsunami warnings to make sure her private road stayed open. Police were on scene helping cars get through safely, 50 vehicles at a time.
The Maui Police Department confirmed that Oprah’s road was open for evacuees to reach higher ground. County officials sent out multiple emergency alerts telling residents they could use the route. The road remained available for as long as people needed it during the crisis.
Social media users shared videos claiming to show Oprah blocking access to her property. But these posts spread false information that had already been proven wrong by the time they went viral. The real footage showed traffic moving through her road with police assistance.
This isn’t the first time social media has spread lies about celebrities during disasters. When emotions run high and people are scared, false stories can spread faster than the truth. Americans deserve accurate information, especially during emergencies.
The tsunami warnings were eventually downgraded to advisories as the threat passed. Hawaii avoided major damage from the powerful earthquake that ranks among the strongest in recorded history. Residents were able to return to their homes safely.
Facts matter more than viral videos when lives are at stake. Oprah opened her road to help her neighbors during a scary situation. The people spreading lies about her actions should focus on supporting disaster victims instead of creating fake drama.
