Oprah Winfrey responds to backlash over alleged claims of private Maui road closure
Photo: Reuters
A new post shared by journalist Nick Sortor has shown Oprah Winfrey’s private road in Maui being opened to the public, following mounting criticism on social media over earlier claims that the road remained closed during critical tsunami evacuations.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sortor confirmed that the road is now open and encouraged residents to use it to reach higher ground.
🚨 BREAKING: Following INTENSE public pressure, Oprah’s private road has been OPENED to those escaping the tsunami
WELL DONE, EVERYONE! 👏
It should’ve been opened HOURS ago, but if you’re in Wailea on Maui and need to get to higher ground, USE OPRAH’S ROAD NOW!
Haleakala… pic.twitter.com/u8sBnFdDHEIn a separate post, Sortor also shared a video of the area, showing vehicles moving near the gate, further reinforcing reports that the route had been made accessible.
🚨 INSANE: MAUI POLICE were present STOPPING Hawaii tsunami evacuees from using Oprah’s Road before she FINALLY relented to pressure and opened it
For those asking why people didn’t just break open the gates themselves, THAT’S why.
It had police protection.
Infuriating. pic.twitter.com/RRv6uJiFXcOther X users have also backed the claim that the road is now open, sharing similar videos and accounts of the gate being accessible to the public.
BREAKING: unconfirmed post from Hawaii shows that Oprah’s road IS open. pic.twitter.com/NRRrxoWFyQ
The post follows widespread backlash online, including viral tweets accusing Winfrey’s team of denying access to residents trying to flee low-lying coastal areas.
While no official statement has been released by Winfrey or her representatives, local authorities previously stated that the road from Wailea to Kula, which passes through her property, was opened as part of emergency evacuation measures.
As of now, the road remains open, and no formal restrictions have been issued regarding its use during this ongoing emergency response.
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