Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson Face Criticism for Seeking Donations Amid Maui Fire Crisis
4 min read
TikTok/ @therock
Although having a combined net worth of an estimated $2.8 billion, Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson drew anger on Tuesday after encouraging followers to give money to help those devastated by the Maui wildfires. The Hollywood couple contributed $10 million to the People’s Fund of Maui, but then urged their fans on Instagram and TikTok to chip in the rest. Many fans, however, protested that they were already living “paycheck-to-paycheck,” and that the mega-rich celebrities should contribute more of their own money to relief efforts. “I’d do it, but I’m broke…Carolina Moreno, a TikTok user, remarked in the comments section of the August 31 video, “You two got this!”
We're honored to announce the People’s Fund of Maui, a fund putting money directly in the pockets of those who were affected by the recent wildfires.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 31, 2023
As @Oprah and I have seen firsthand, the impacts of these wildfires have been devastating, and we’re here to ensure with 100%… pic.twitter.com/iH6cPwbQ3k
“Billionaire asking for money from the poor, what a joke,” one fan, Cary Jacobs, wrote on Oprah’s subsequent Instagram video. “Your fortune is billions of dollars.” You may give $100 million and remain as rich as before. YOU provide the funds.” Maribel Rubio slammed Winfrey, whose net worth has been estimated to be $2.5 billion by Forbes. Many criticised the two actors’ little beginning fund, despite the fact that they have considerably more, with many emphasising how little $5 million was for them. If they split it evenly, $5 million would only represent 0.2% of Winfrey’s massive fortune. The sum is approximately 1.9% of Johnson’s estimated worth of $300 million.
Oprah Winfrey is worth $2.5 Billion and Dwayne the Rock Johnson is worth $800 Million and these two have the audacity to asked the everyday citizens to donate to their fundraisers to help the people of Maui when we know those people would probably NEVER see that money!
— illuminatibot (@iluminatibot) September 1, 2023Advertisement
Oprah Winfrey And Dwayne Johnson Face Criticism From Fans After Urging Followers To Donate To The Maui Fires
Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Winfrey launched a relief fund to assist local residents affected by the wildfires that devastated large sections of Maui, Hawaii, but viewers reacted angrily, questioning why the celebrity duo could not donate more of their own millions instead of appealing to people with less money. According to CNN, devastating wildfires ripped through the island in August, destroying or harming thousands of structures and killing 115 people, with dozens more still missing. According to a statement issued by the County of Maui on September 3, the fire in Lahaina had been controlled, while the flames in Olinda and Kula were 90% and 95% contained, respectively. They shared a video with their millions of Instagram followers on August 31, in which Winfrey and Johnson presented the “People’s Fund of Maui” on August 31. The fund is intended to raise money for locals whose lives have been devastated by the disaster. In the video, she stated that the two were inspired by Dolly Parton’s altruism and believed that people were sceptical about how to help Maui residents, so they established a fund where anyone could donate and the money would go directly to those in need.
A lengthy caption accompanying the photograph stated that every adult resident “displaced by the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula” would be “eligible for up to $1200 per month to assist them throughout this period of recovery” as well as provided a link where individuals directly impacted may apply for the funding. “It is with great honour that we launch this campaign with $10 million in funding, and we ask for your support in donating to those who have lost their homes.” “We appreciate your contribution in advance,” the caption continued. The post received over 60,000 comments, many of which appeared to be in opposition to wealthy celebrities appealing to average working people for further donations. The same video was re-shared on Winfrey and Johnson’s TikTok accounts, along with a donation button that allowed TikTokers to make direct contributions. “Mauri and the cause have my support, but why are you asking ordinary people who live paycheck to paycheck about it? We are having difficulty putting food on the table. “Who helps us?” read one of the top comments. Several viewers also recorded videos in response to the video, arguing that instead of appealing to average people who may be struggling financially, the duo should dive deeper into their own pockets or ask their fellow wealthy and celebrity pals to pledge.
The Oprah Winfrey backlash continues! Maybe with a little bit of pressure, she might just donate $10 million of her own money. @Oprah you can't take money to your grave, but you could leave a legacy of not being the most hated woman across the globe, right now. Sign the cheque! pic.twitter.com/rSxi4EXmu4
— Colette Murphy (@Iammurphycolet) September 5, 2023
“Evil billionaire Oprah Winfrey is the reason why Maui is burning. She needs to donate her wealth to us. Socialism is the only way to achieve true equality” ~ Furiously typing twitter commie pic.twitter.com/rsYjkhpOEK
— Lynx 💛 (@LustrousLynx) September 4, 2023
My feelings exactly. It seemed their announcement was more about them, than the people in need. If they really wanted to do some good, they should have called for termination of all involved with the catastrophically failed emergency response.
— Leonard Campagna Freedom=Happiness=Freedom (@LeonardCampagna) September 1, 2023
No kidding, Oprah you stole their land you have the money just give them even one of your billions. It would be life changing for them and for you it wouldn’t even be missed you’ll make it back by next week.
— ❤️Sarah May❤️ (@pr71608039) September 1, 2023
