Oprah Winfrey has denied claims that she refused to open a private road during a tsunami evacuation in Hawaii. The accusations came after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific on July 30, 2025.
Social media posts alleged that locals in Maui were “begging Oprah” to open her private road to escape rising waves. One post stated, “Blocking an escape route is inhumane,” sparking over 2.7 million views and major backlash online.
However, Oprah’s spokesperson told 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.” Maui Police later confirmed, “Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry.”
Governor Josh Green also reassured residents, saying, “We have not seen a wave of consequence, which is a great relief.” The tsunami warning has since been downgraded, and residents were allowed to return home safely. Oprah previously opened the road in 2019 and 2023 to assist during wildfires.
