Patriot News Alert – Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson are facing major backlash after asking fans to donate money to the survivors of the devastating Maui wildfires.
While the pair had already donated $10 million to disaster relief efforts, fans weren’t thrilled with the mega-rich pair’s request. At a time of economic hardship, regular Americans want to see the ultra-wealthy doing more.
Oprah Winfrey is insanely wealthy with an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion. Donating $5 million when she’s worth billions has rubbed some Americans the wrong way as many struggle to live in this uncertain economy.
Dwayne Johnson is worth significantly less with an estimated net worth of $250 million making his contribution far more significant. Nonetheless, the optics clearly weren’t well thought through.
Eyes on Oprah
Winfrey actually owns a home in Maui and some want to see much more from her when it comes to assisting people in recovering.
Furthermore, Winfrey has been accused of hiring private firefighters to protect her massive estate as well as security teams to keep homeless citizens off of her land.
While those allegations are just that, allegations, it all paints a bad picture of Winfrey’s response to the devastating wildfire that has killed 115 people with hundreds still unaccounted for.
Winfrey posted to multiple social media platforms asking for donations, and the comments were full of disgruntled Americans pointing out the irony of billionaires asking for regular Americans to donate.
One user said, “This should be a private message between you and your billionaire mates. It’s so outrageous that you are pleading for money.”
Another user named Maribel Rubio said, “You have billions. You could donate $100 million and still be as wealthy as before donating. YOU give the money.”
Relief for Hawaii
Unfortunately for Hawaii, the focus of the elite seems to be elsewhere as disaster relief funding is hard to come by right now.
The Biden administration has sent billions to Ukraine to help them fight Russia and most recently Biden asked Congress for another $200 million.
Meanwhile, those who lost their homes, loved ones, and city will receive a one-time $700 payment per household, although it is possible that future payments could be distributed.
Hawaii doesn’t seem to have the influence that Ukraine has in Washington D.C. and the people of Hawaii will have to get by on a one-time payment that isn’t enough to pay Hawaii’s average rent for a month.
SF Source Patriot News Alerts Sep 2023