Last month, the state of Hawaii faced the worst natural disaster when stricken with wildfires. So many lives were lost during the incident that it stirred numerous celebrities into action, including Dwayne Johnson, who came forward to lend his support.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and the celebrated talk show host-cum-author Oprah Winfrey donated $5 million to Maui following the catastrophic Hawaiian fires that decimated homes and businesses, including Lahaina and Kula. But with this charitable act, the duo simultaneously won fans’ hearts and received a barrage of vitriolic criticism.
Dwayne Johnson Getting Hate for Donating to Maui Residents
The recent post of The Rock is no doubt winning the hearts of the internet, but some are slamming him for various other reasons. In the post, the actor was seen encouraging the people of Maui to sign up for his fund. Johnson made clear that “EVERY DOLLAR will GO DIRECTLY TO EVERY INDIVIDUAL affected by this tragedy.” Johnson posted:
“Checking in from MAUI. Deadliest wildfires to hit America in 100 years. We’re meeting the IMMEDIATE NEED of the thousands of people & families who’s lives have been destroyed.?”
Johnson continued:
“We created the @peoplesfundofmaui where EVERY DOLLAR will GO DIRECTLY TO EVERY INDIVIDUAL affected by this tragedy. I donated $5 million. That cash will go directly to people affected. IMMEDIATELY. And plan to raise and donate much more.”
Johnson added:
“To our people of MAUI affected by these deadly fires, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE sign up * LINK IN MY BIO * or @peoplesfundofmaui or PeoplesFundOfMaui.Org We created this fund for YOU. STAY STRONG. #PeoplesFundOfMaui.”
The post faced a lot of criticism. A comment with thousands of likes questioned his gestures, writing — “The rich asking for the poor to donate. It’s hilarious.” The number of likes on the comments shows the intensity of public vitriol being directed towards the actor.
Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Winfrey’s Questionable Intention Behind Donation?
Various videos on TikTok have hundreds of thousands of views and include titles such as “Billionaires begging for money! Who else hates Oprah!” Another states, “People are outraged at The Rock and Oprah for using a tragedy to get a tax write-off!”
In these tough times, despite several people acknowledging Dwayne Johnson’s efforts to be helpful in the situation, there are some who instead prefer throwing shade at him. And that’s because Oprah’s net worth is listed at $2.5 billion while Johnson is said to be worth at least $800 million.
Although this isn’t the first time the San Andreas actor has made such a move. Recently, he has showcased his philanthropic side by making a “Milestone” 7-figure donation to SAG-AFTRA Relief Fund on July 25, 2023.
He also runs The Dwayne Johnson ROCK Foundation – a platform of hope for children worldwide that provides programs that empower the lives of hospitalized children for medical disabilities, disorders, and illnesses.
Source: Instagram
