Overview

• Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson started a relief fund with a $10 million donation but were criticized for soliciting public donations given their combined billions in net worth.
• Debate sparked on social media over whether wealthy celebrities should fund relief efforts personally versus seeking public assistance.
• Johnson acknowledged backlash but emphasized importance of helping Maui wildfire victims while Winfrey said criticism distracted focus.
• Over 2,000 people were verified as recipients of aid from the relief fund started by Winfrey and Johnson.
• Controversy highlighted issues of income inequality, wealth distribution, and expectations on celebrities to contribute financially to societal problems.