Oprah & The Rock Slammed For Asking For Donations Toward Maui Fires

Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have been facing backlash after they asked fans to donate money to those affected by the Maui wildfires, despite a combined net worth of over $2.8 billion.

Together they donated $10 million to kickstart the People's Fund of Maui, but then asked fans on Instagram and TikTok to donate the rest.

Many fans complained they were already living "paycheck-to-paycheck" and uber-rich celebrities should give more of their own money.

“I would but I’m broke…you two got this though!”

“Billionaire asking for money from the poor, what a joke."

“You have billions. You could donate $100 million and still be as wealthy as before donating. YOU give the money."

“10 million is 0.5% of 2 billion, you want my 0.5%? Here comes $16 (I gave it to you post-tax)."

“This should be a private message between you and your billionaire mates. It’s so outrageous that you are pleading for money.”

“How is the richest woman in the world asking for money? Make it make sense.”

“Girlfriend, it would take me almost 20 years to make the amount of money you did JUST TODAY. You do it. We’re struggling over here.”

Comments faired a bit better on Dwayne's page, however fans were still furious.

“Dig in those deep pockets Rock! You got this. Maui will thank you.”

Many criticised the fund for the actors who have much more, with lots highlighting how little $5 million was to them.

Assuming an even split, $5 million would only amount to 0.2% of Oprah's net worth, and nearly 1.9% of Dwayne's.

Neither Oprah or Dwayne have addressed the backlash. They were inspired by Dolly Parton to start the fund after texting about the tragedy.

“We were so concerned by what was happening that we were texting back and forth, and I read this article that Dolly Parton had given money in her community, and I said: ‘I think this is the answer.'"

“That money is going to go to one of many residents who have been displaced in Maui.”

Adult residents of Maui will be eligible to receive $1,200 a month in payments to help them "through this period of recovery.”

“We are honored to start this campaign with $10 million dollars and ask for your help in donating to those who have lost their homes. We thank you in advance for your contribution."

During a follow-up video, Oprah noted 10,000 people had donated, but didn't reveal how much was raised.

She also faced additional backlash for owning multiple properties in Hawaii, having bought 870 more acres of land on Maui earlier this year, paying $6.6 million. She now owns almost 1,000 acres.

She has lived there part-time for 15 years, and owns extra property near the Haleakala volcano.

There's even a conspiracy theory against her, with some theorising she and other wealthy Hawaiian residents could have used laser to set the blaze, so they could snap up more real estate.