Oprah Winfrey responds to claims she refused to open private road to Hawaiians escaping tsunami

Oprah Winfrey has responded to accusations claiming she kept a private road closed as residents tried to flee to higher ground after a tsunami warning.

People were warned that huge tsunami waves were incoming, following a massive earthquake measuring 8.8 magnitude in Russia today (July 30).

What we know about the tsunami warning

A tsunami warning has been issued in parts of the US as well as multiple other countries after an earthquake struck on July 30 off the coast of Russia, with its epicenter located on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The quake has been recorded as the sixth-strongest ever.

As per the Financial Express, the full list of islands under threat are Guam, Palau, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Midway Atoll, Wake Island, Johnston Atoll, Northern Mariana Islands, Yap, Pohnpei, Korsae, Chuuk, and the Aleutian Islands.

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!"

Within hours of the first tremor, waves of more than five feet began to hit in Hawaii, prompting authorities to order people to evacuate, and rumours to swirl that Oprah Winfrey was locking her private road, preventing people from using it to move away from the coast.

What are people saying about Oprah Winfrey and the tsunami?

Residents in Hawaii were urged to move away from the coast, and one account on Twitter blasted Winfrey, claiming she had kept the road closed, despite gridlock elsewhere.

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 shared footage of heavy traffic and a graphic showing the route.

The post has since been viewed more than 2.7 million times.

Another user claimed: "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."

Meanwhile, someone else added: "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."

What have Oprah Winfrey and authorities said?

Dismissing the rumors, 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."

Tsunami warnings have since been downgraded in Hawaii, with those who had evacuated being told they could return home after only small waves occurred.

Winfrey owns a farm which is located on the side of a dormant volcano called Haleakalā. The talk show host had previously opened the road in 2019 and 2023 to help people escape wildfires.

Maui Police Department's Tsunami Warning Update also noted that 'Oprah's road is open to get Upcountry'.

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."

LADbible Group has reached out to Winfrey's representatives for further comment.

How to stay safe during a tsunami

The National Weather Service says those who are in a tsunami hazard zone and receive an official warning should stay away from the coast until the alert if lifted.

Furthermore, if you are asked to evacuate, then you should head to high ground or inland as quickly and safely as possible.

It's also advised you set up multiple ways to receive warnings prior to a potential tsunami, including text message alerts from your local government.