Hawaii tsunami update: Triggered by an 8.8 earthquake in Russia, tsunami alerts have been issued in more than 15 regions including Hawaii. Under a high-risk for nearly ten feet waves, evacuation measures are underway as residents rush to safe zones. However, Oprah Winfrey is under fire after a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared that she had reportedly blocked a private road, the shortest route to safety.
As per his account, “she got it all to herself”, despite the intervention of police officials. While there has been no official confirmation or comment, netizens speculate that “this is a massive scandal for the billionaire that will ruin her reputation further forever.” In response, Winfrey issued a statement saying, “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.”
This comes just years after the Maui fire. As per local media reports, Winfrey owned a private road that runs through her property, Thompson Road. However, NBC news noted that, “a public road that runs through Winfrey’s ranch in Kula.” It was alleged that it was kept close even in 2019 during the fire evacuation. But hours later, Oprah took to social media during the Maui fire, “Access to the road was given to county officials immediately. This was many hours ago. Hoping for the safety of all.”
People in Hawaii are reportedly trying to use Oprah’s private road to escape the tsunami but she/police have it closed off.
If true, this is a massive scandal for the billionaire that will ruin her reputation further forever.pic.twitter.com/AAlGS9ySGJ
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) July 30, 2025
Oprah faces backlash
Netizens took to X and reacted vehemently to the post. A user commented, “It’s her road regardless of whether she’s evil. Or not. It may be right thing to do to let people through but it’s definitely her privileged right to do it or not.”
A user even shared a satellite map of the region showing how Oprah’s allegedly private road, which is closed, is the shortest route from Kohei to Keokea, a safe zone. Others questioned why and how she can do that.
Raged by the urgency, a netizen wrote, “Why ON EARTH would you choose to not open your own private road that would allow people to get to higher ground safely Be a hero (or just a decent human) and open the road Oprah Winfrey. Do the right thing.”
Seeking help for those trapped, a user brough to attention, ““Wait, so people are trapped with their kids in gridlock and Oprah’s private road is just… chilling? Hopefully it’s open soon or these people find another way to get to higher ground. Scary.”
Oprah Winfrey in Hawaii
Over the past year, Winfrey has established multiple real-estate properties on the island of Maui, spanning nearly 1000 acres, as per a leading realtor report. She owns two prominent areas in Kula region since 2002, spanning across 163 acres. Over the years, it has become a modern farmhouse retreat.