Oprah Winfrey reps deny private road on Maui estate was closed during tsunami alert: 'Reports are false'

KULA, HAWAII: Oprah Winfrey is pushing back against growing online criticism after rumors spread that she blocked access to a private road during a tsunami evacuation alert. A spokesperson for the media mogul denied the claims, insisting the road was not closed to the public.

The controversy followed a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Russia’s eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami alerts across parts of the Pacific. In Hawaii, coastal residents were urged to evacuate to higher ground. Social media users alleged that one of the few viable evacuation routes was obstructed, specifically, a private road leading to Winfrey’s $60 million Maui estate.

The spokesperson’s statement came shortly after the Maui Police Department addressed the issue publicly, stating, “Oprah’s road is open."

Oprah’s team denies blocking access to key evacuation route amid tsunami alert

Representatives for Oprah Winfrey have denied claims that her estate blocked access to a key evacuation route during Tuesday’s tsunami alert in Hawaii.

They clarified that the road in question, which connects the coastal community of Wailea to the uplands of Kula, is actually owned by Haleakala Ranch, not Winfrey. Notably, a public roadway cuts through land owned by Winfrey’s ranch, which spans nearly 1,000 acres on the island.

In a statement to HuffPost, Winfrey’s spokesperson said, “As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement to ensure the road was opened. Any reports otherwise are false.”

The statement continued, “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.”

Their statement came shortly after the Maui Police Department issued a public alert confirming that “Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry.”

According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, waves reaching up to 5.7 feet above base level hit Maui’s North Shore on Tuesday evening local time.

While no major damage was reported, authorities downgraded the tsunami warning to an advisory by late Wednesday morning, allowing residents to return home safely.

Internet divided after Oprah Winfrey’s representatives deny road closure rumors

After Oprah Winfrey’s representatives denied rumors that she blocked access to a private road on her Maui estate during a tsunami evacuation, the internet erupted with mixed reactions. While many had initially criticized the media mogul, several users are now defending her following the official statement.

One supporter wrote, “Anytime something bad happens in Hawaii…yall say it’s Oprah’s fault. lol.” Another added, “People quick to say something negative.”

A fan of the talk show host commented, “Folks just be saying anything to bring this woman down 💯,” while someone else noted, “People need to stop hating! In this case, no one can deny she helped. So proud she could help. 👏”

Another user pushed back on the criticism, saying, “Are y’all crazy? She didn’t keep her private road closed.”

However, not everyone was convinced. One user joked, “It wasn’t closed, it just had a toll booth.” Skeptics continued to question the statement, with one commenter saying, “Of course she disputes it. Never take accountability for anything is her motto.”

Another questioned, “So the video is false???” One user demanded more proof, “Ask Oprah to show us the video tape of her staff opening up the road. Anytime she virtue signals to show how good she is, a camera crew is always there.”

Another commenter claimed firsthand knowledge, “She can deny it all she wants. I saw the direct reports from those trapped in the traffic jam, trying to get to up-country (higher ground). The gate closure caused all the people from Kihei and Wailea (to name a few areas) to queue up on Piilani Hwy. I saw the videos."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online