Oprah Winfrey has addressed allegations that she barricaded a private road while locals attempted to evacuate to higher ground following a tsunami warning.
A tremendous 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia today (July 30), prompting warnings that enormous tsunami waves were imminent.
Hawaii residents were advised to avoid the shore, and one Twitter account attacked Winfrey for allegedly keeping the route blocked in spite of traffic in other places.
They wrote: “People in Maui, Hawaii are trying to escape the tsunami and are BEGGING Oprah to open the private road on her property.”
“She’s reportedly still refusing. In a crisis, blocking an escape route is inhumane.”
The user also posted a route diagram and video of severe traffic.
Since then, the post has received over 2.7 million views.
Someone else said, “Oprah won’t open her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would make it much easier for locals to get to higher ground.”
In the meanwhile, another person commented, “OPEN THE ROAD OPRAH.”
The original account later posted an update, saying, “After massive public uproar and intervention from President Trump, Oprah has finally opened her private road to aid emergency access.”
“Her social media team is now in full damage control mode – but this was not expected from her. Public trust shaken.”
However, a spokesperson for Winfrey 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.”
URGENT: People in Maui, Hawaii are trying to escape the tsunami and are BEGGING Oprah to open the private road on her property.
She’s reportedly still refusing.
In a crisis, blocking an escape route is inhumane.#Tsunami #Maui #Oprah #LetThemOut pic.twitter.com/JeqeVwDcyS— Baatein Stock Ki (@BaateinStockKi) July 30, 2025
Since then, Hawaii’s tsunami warnings have been lowered, and those who had evacuated were told they could go back home when there were just minor waves.
Winfrey’s farm is situated on the flank of Haleakalā, a dormant volcano.
In order to assist people in escaping wildfires, the talk show host had previously opened the road in 2019 and 2023.
‘Oprah’s road is available to get Upcountry,’ according to the Maui Police Department’s Tsunami Warning Update.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green told the press: “So far we have not seen a wave of consequence, which is a great relief to us… We expect to be about two to three hours at least until we can call ‘all clear.’ So far though, at the moment, so good.”
Donald Trump had previously posted on Truth Social: “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov/ for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”