“Sad That We’re in This State in Our Country”: Oprah Winfrey Hits Back After Being Terrorized Online Over Starting a Fund With Dwayne Johnson for the Maui Fires Victims

It is no secret that Hawaii holds a special place in Dwayne Johnson’s heart. So, when parts of the island state were ravaged by fires in August, Johnson made a plea to his fans to help the victims. He received support from Oprah Winfrey as the duo opened the People’s Fund of Maui. This act received backlash from a section of internet users. Many slammed the celeb pair for asking for funds despite having a collective wealth of over $2 billion.

Now, Oprah has decided to address the vitriol she received online. The 69-year-old appeared on CBS Mornings recently to promote her book Build the Life You Want. Here’s where she addressed the issue.

Oprah Winfrey unhappy with response from internet users

Winfrey attended the show alongside co-author Arthur C. Brooks. She didn’t mince her words while recalling her experiences following the joint plea with Johnson.

“Well, this is a really great point about being happier in the midst of an onslaught of being terrorized and vilified online,” she started, explaining how the fund was conceived. She spoke about singer Dolly Parton and her role in helping the victims of the Gatlinburg fires as an inspiration for their drive.

But Oprah was taken aback by some of the reactions she received and rued it. She stated that the money would go directly to the victims, but the response left her stating that it’s “sad that we’re in this state in our country.”

Whether or not the judgment the two are receiving from fans is warranted, they don’t seem to be messing around. The Entertainment Industry Foundation website gives a detailed breakdown of where exactly the money is going.

Oprah Winfrey says over 2,000 help seekers have been verified

According to the foundation, adults who have lost their primary residence to the Maui Fires will be eligible to receive $1,200 a month.

Read More: “The People’s Fund” – Dwayne Johnson Announces Major Collaboration With Oprah Winfrey for Maui People After Having ‘Trust Issues’ With the Donating Organizations

But to avail of the assistance, people will have to apply for it first. According to Oprah, over 2,200 victims have been verified and will be receiving the cash in their bank accounts.

It is to be noted that Oprah and Johnson also donated $10 million to the humanitarian cause. Others who have taken a step to help the victims are AEW owner Tony Khan, who declared that all income from the Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision shows in the second week of August would be forwarded to the Maui food bank. Celebs such as Mia Taylor, Jason Momoa, and Auli’i Cravalho have also offered their help to the cause.

What do you think about Oprah’s clapback at the haters?

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