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Amid widespread panic following a massive earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, Oprah Winfrey has denied claims she refused to open a private road on her Maui estate to assist with tsunami evacuations.
The magnitude 8.8 earthquake, one of the strongest ever recorded, struck 84 miles off Russia's eastern coast. The tremor triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, prompting urgent evacuations in Hawaii, Japan, Russia, Colombia, and parts of the U.S. West Coast. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it was the sixth most powerful quake on record, with waves reaching up to 15 feet in affected regions.
In Hawaii, thousands scrambled to reach higher ground. Social media users accused Oprah of withholding access to her private road linking Wailea to the upland town of Kuala, a critical route for escape from low-lying coastal areas.
"Massive traffic in Maui with thousands trying to escape," one post read. "Open the road, Oprah." Another user added, "Oprah HAS NOT opened her private road... locals tell me OPEN THE ROAD, @OPRAH."
Videos circulated online showed long lines of cars stalled near her estate. Some even claimed residents had "forced" the media mogul to unlock the road.
However, Winfrey's representatives refuted these claims. "As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened," said her spokesperson. "Any reports otherwise are false."
The Maui Police Department corroborated the account, confirming the road was opened promptly. Law enforcement was seen managing traffic, moving vehicles through 50 at a time for safety.
At 10:40 p.m. local time, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center downgraded the warning to an advisory. CNN reported water surges of five feet in Kahului, while no fatalities were recorded. Authorities expect continued tidal disturbances, posing ongoing risks.
Despite public outcry, officials affirmed Winfrey's cooperation. "Oprah's road is open to get Upcountry," a Maui police statement read.
