Oprah Winfrey has addressed allegations suggesting she kept a private road closed as locals attempted to evacuate to higher ground during a tsunami warning.
A major earthquake, measuring 8.8 magnitude, struck Russia today (July 30), leading to warnings of large tsunami waves.
Residents in Hawaii were advised to leave coastal areas, and one Twitter user criticized Winfrey, alleging she had not opened her road despite traffic congestion elsewhere.
The tweet stated: “People in Maui, Hawaii are trying to escape the tsunami and are BEGGING Oprah to open the private road on her property.
“She’s reportedly still refusing. In a crisis, blocking an escape route is inhumane.”
The user also shared videos showing heavy traffic and a map of the route.
The tweet has been viewed over 2.7 million times.
Another individual 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.”
Others chimed in, urging: “OPEN THE ROAD OPRAH.”
The original account later updated their post, stating: “After massive public uproar and intervention from President Trump, Oprah has finally opened her private road to aid emergency access.
“Her social media team is now in full damage control mode – but this was not expected from her. Public trust shaken.”
However, a spokesperson for Winfrey informed Newsweek: “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.”
Tsunami warnings in Hawaii have since been downgraded, and evacuees have been informed they can return home as only minor waves were observed.
Winfrey owns a farm situated on the slopes of the dormant Haleakalā volcano.
The media mogul had previously opened the road in both 2019 and 2023 to assist with wildfire evacuations.
The Maui Police Department’s Tsunami Warning Update also confirmed that ‘Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry’.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green informed the media: “So far we have not seen a wave of consequence, which is a great relief to us… We expect to be about two to three hours at least until we can call ‘all clear.’ So far though, at the moment, so good.”
Donald Trump had earlier posted on Truth Social: “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov/ for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”
LADbible Group has contacted Winfrey’s representatives for additional comments.