Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is speaking out and taking the time to address backlash he and Oprah Winfrey received after asking their fan base to donate the Maui, Hawaii, relief fund.
As we previously reported, The intent was to provide support for those affected by the catastrophic Lahaina wildfires. However, given the combined net worth of the two entertainment icons surpassing $2.8 billion, their call for public assistance backfired on them on and fans were upset they were asking the public to donate.
Now in a new video, The Rock addressed the backlash on instagram. “I want to take a moment and acknowledge all the messages that I did receive because I pay attention to everything,” the actor said. “When we first launched the fund there was some backlash that came from launching the fund and I want to address and acknowledge that backlash right now. I get it, and I completely understand that I could’ve been better and next time I will be better and I understand that money ain’t falling out of the sky and it’s not growing on trees and there’s a lot of people out there that’s living pay check to pay check and I’ve lived pay check and I know what’s that like.”
“When you are living pay check to pay check I was easily pissed off and I was frustrated and the last thing you want to hear when you are living pay check to pay check is someone asking you for money especially when the person asking g you for money already has a lot of money so I get it, I understand. I never launched a fund before but I’m a quick study so lesson learned.”
Oprah Winfrey also reposted to the criticism as well. “So all of the online attacks, lies, conspiracy theories, really took the focus off of what was the most important thing, which is the people of Maui,” Winfrey Oprah said while appearing on CBS Mornings. “So this idea came about because I was on the ground, talking to lots of people, trying to figure out how I can best help,’ she said, adding in the beginning she was giving out ‘material things’ and ‘dropping off generators and towels.”
The fund, per Oprah, has been designed to ensure that money is distributed directly to those in need, bypassing multiple organizations. Eligible adult Maui residents impacted by the fires can receive $1,200 per month to aid in their recovery. Interested individuals can apply for relief through the fund’s website. Winfrey and Johnson initiated the fund in response to inquiries from close acquaintances seeking immediate help.
They emphasized that in disaster situations, money is often the most critical need. To ensure effective distribution of funds, Winfrey and Johnson have stated that the People’s Fund of Maui will work closely with an advisory board and respected elders. This collaborative effort aims to guarantee that financial aid reaches those who need it most. The pair revealed their commitment to transparency and accountability, intending to handle the distribution process with utmost care and diligence. By involving trusted individuals from the community, they seek to ensure that every dollar donated serves its intended purpose – helping victims of the Maui fires rebuild their lives.