Staff Reports
In a shocking turn of events, media mogul Oprah Winfrey found herself on the receiving end of some not-so-positive feedback for a fundraiser she started alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The fundraiser, aimed at assisting the victims of the devastating Maui wildfires in Hawaii, seemed like a noble cause. Winfrey and Johnson even put their money where their mouths were, donating a whopping $10 million to kickstart the initiative. However, it seems that the Internet had different plans for the dynamic duo.
Critics argued that Winfrey and Johnson’s wealth rendered their contributions obsolete, especially considering that Winfrey’s home on the island remained untouched by the fires. While one might expect gratitude and appreciation, the online sphere unleashed a hailstorm of vitriol on Winfrey and Johnson, leaving Winfrey feeling disheartened. “I was so excited… and then I got up the next morning, and I saw all of this vitriol, and I was, like, ‘Whoa, what happened here?'” expressed Winfrey.
It’s disappointing to witness unwarranted backlash targeted at individuals who simply wanted to lend a helping hand. Winfrey had been inspired by musician Dolly Parton’s goodwill during the Gatlinburg wildfires in 2017. In light of this, the media mogul sought to make a direct impact by giving money “directly to the people.” Teaming up with Johnson, Winfrey thought starting the fund with $10 million was an excellent idea. However, it seems that no matter how pure your intentions, the trolls on the internet will always find something to gripe about.
The fundraiser, known as the “People’s Fund of Maui,” was announced on social media on August 31. Winfrey and Johnson organized the fund under the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 4-star charity according to Charity Navigator. The initiative welcomed both renters and owners above the age of 18 who lost their residences in the wildfires. This came after the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) announcement that they would be providing a mere $700 per household affected. Unsurprisingly, this amount of aid has garnered heavy criticism, including from former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, who branded it as “fricking insulting.”
It’s clear that Winfrey and Johnson were driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the Maui wildfires. Yet, people still found a way to twist and undermine their noble intentions. This incident only serves as a reminder of how the Internet can sometimes be a dark and unwelcoming place, even when all you’re trying to do is spread some good cheer. Hopefully, the victims of the wildfires will receive the much-needed support they deserve despite the virtual noise created by online cynics.
