Oprah Winfrey, born on January 29, 1954, is an American media mogul, philanthropist, and former talk show host. She gained fame with “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which aired from 1986 to 2011 and became the highest-rated talk show in television history.
At 70 years old, Oprah remains a powerful influence in media and philanthropy, known for her charitable work and ability to inspire millions and we all know she’s no stranger to controversy.
Unfortunately, she has been under fire for her recent support of Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign, particularly from people who have long questioned her charitable activities.
Do you recall the August 2023 wildfires in Maui? They caused $5.5 billion in damage, over 100 fatalities, and 12,000 displaced people. Together with Dwayne Johnson “The Rock”, Oprah, who possesses an significant part of the island, established the People’s Fund of Maui. They got things started by donating a sizable $10 million to help the victims.
But not everyone was impressed. Critics were quick to question their motives. Oprah, who has deep roots in Maui, and Johnson, who comes from a family line in the South Pacific’s Samoan Islands, have faced accusations of not doing enough.
Oprah told the “Today” show that she and Johnson were working closely with community leaders to figure out the best way to help. Johnson added that their goal was to provide immediate financial support because the road to recovery would be long and tough.
Despite these statements, some people remain skeptical. When Oprah showed up at the Democratic National Convention on August 21 to back Harris, the debate about the Maui fund reignited. A meme went viral, falsely claiming Oprah had donated $150 million to Harris’s campaign. While Oprah did endorse Harris, there’s no proof of any such donation, and it’s highly unlikely—if not outright illegal.
Many are still wondering: what happened to the donations for Maui? Some critics have gone as far as to suggest that Oprah’s real plan is to “buy up Hawaii.” Others have labeled her a “fraud,” accusing her and Johnson of not living up to their promises. And it’s not just Oprah facing the heat; Johnson has been called out too. One social media post labeled him a “minion to the elite,” while another speculated wild theories about their intentions.
Yet, there are voices of reason amidst the noise. Some people have pushed back, calling the allegations ridiculous. As one person pointed out, a donation of $150 million to a political campaign would have made headlines everywhere—and let’s not forget, it would be illegal. Another reminded everyone that the People’s Fund of Maui was about helping people, not playing politics.
To clear things up, an April 2024 report by The Associated Press stated that the fund had raised nearly $60 million. The money went to more than 8,100 adults who lost their homes and livelihoods, providing much-needed relief.
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Local news confirmed that the first round of payments reached over 5,000 residents as early as September 2023. Fact-checkers like Snopes have debunked many of the wild rumors, including one that claimed actor Jason Momoa accused Oprah and The Rock of stealing from the poor.
Oprah herself addressed the controversy at the DNC, explaining her decision to back Kamala Harris: “I really care about this country,” she told CBS News. “Decency and respect are on the ballot, and that’s why I’m doing this.” Johnson, meanwhile, has made it clear he won’t be endorsing any candidate, despite being courted by both sides for a potential presidential run.
At the end of the day, this controversy shows how complex the mix of celebrity, charity, and politics can be. It’s a reminder that not everything is as black and white as it seems. Oprah and Johnson might not be perfect, but their efforts to help Maui should not be dismissed without understanding the full picture.
