Social media erupted with criticism on Wednesday over claims that Oprah Winfrey had denied residents access to a private road on her Maui property during a tsunami evacuation, allegedly delaying the movement of people trying to reach higher ground. However, a detailed look at the situation reveals that the allegations are false and rooted in misinformation.

The controversy emerged in the aftermath of an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, one of the most powerful quakes of the century, which triggered tsunami warnings across much of the Pacific, including Hawaii. As evacuation advisories were issued, posts on X and TikTok accused Winfrey of either refusing or being slow to open a key route known locally as “Oprah’s road.”

Road not owned by Winfrey

Despite the road's nickname, the section of Kealakapu Road in question is not owned by Winfrey. According to Haleakala Ranch president Scott Meidell, the road and surrounding land are owned by the ranch, not by the media mogul. Winfrey has an easement agreement with Haleakala Ranch allowing her to use and maintain the road. As part of that agreement, she had the road paved, Meidell said.

“The decision to open the road to the public is principally up to the landowner,” Winfrey’s representative told the Associated Press. “So, they’re consulted to be sure,” Meidell added, explaining that the ranch had been in contact with Winfrey’s land management team during the emergency.

Evacuation timeline

Efforts to make the road publicly accessible began shortly after the tsunami warning was issued. Meidell said Haleakala Ranch contacted local fire officials and the Maui Emergency Management Agency shortly after 3 p.m. local time. The road was opened by approximately 5 p.m., and ranch staff assisted the evacuation of 150 to 200 vehicles until the last convoy was escorted by 7 p.m.

According to a county press release issued shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, “Oprah’s road” was open for public access, a detail echoed in a 9:30 p.m. update. By that time, Maui police had confirmed that traffic on the main highway had cleared, and further evacuations were no longer required.

“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,” Winfrey’s representative said in a statement issued Tuesday night and again on Wednesday.

Evacuees used the road in carefully monitored groups, with each convoy led and followed by escort vehicles to prevent any incidents on the steep terrain, Meidell said.

Ongoing distrust fuels misconceptions

Some of the backlash appears to stem from long-standing frustration among Hawaii residents over the extensive land ownership by wealthy outsiders. Winfrey’s significant property holdings on Maui have previously drawn criticism amid the island’s housing crisis, which was worsened by the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires that claimed more than 100 lives.

During that tragedy, false narratives also circulated on social media, including unfounded claims that Winfrey had preemptively hired private firefighters and barred others from her land. Some even baselessly linked her to starting the fire.

In reality, Winfrey and actor Dwayne Johnson co-founded the People’s Fund for Maui and pledged $10 million to assist residents displaced by the fires. As of April 2024, the fund had raised nearly $60 million.

Back in 2019, Winfrey also allowed county officials to use the private road during a brush fire on Maui, though it ultimately wasn’t needed. “County officials were given permission to use the private road immediately,” she wrote on X, and this was later confirmed by a county spokesperson.

The viral claims accusing Oprah Winfrey of blocking a critical evacuation route during a tsunami warning are inaccurate. The road in question is not her property, and Haleakala Ranch, the actual owner, worked with officials, including Winfrey’s staff, to open it in a timely manner. The allegations, largely driven by misinformation and pre-existing public resentment, do not reflect the documented facts of the evacuation timeline.

(With inputs from AP)