False rumors circulated on social media accusing television personality Oprah Winfrey of blocking a road during a tsunami evacuation in Hawaii.
Following tsunami warnings issued for Hawaii following a significant earthquake in the Pacific, social media platforms like X and TikTok were flooded with accusations against Oprah winfrey. The claims alleged that Winfrey prevented access to her private road, which would have provided a shorter evacuation route for residents.
Though, the road in question, a section of Kealakapu Road, is not owned by Winfrey. Despite being colloquially referred to as “Oprah’s road,” it is actually owned by the family company Haleakala Ranch. Winfrey has a specific agreement allowing her to use the road,but the authority to open it to the public rests with the landowner.
The road was indeed opened to the public two hours after the tsunami warning was enacted, facilitating the evacuation of approximately 150 to 200 vehicles via the route.
