Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson have been slammed after asking for donations to their Maui relief fund - despite having a combined net worth of more than $2.8 billion.
Last month, a series of deadly wildfires that swept through the western island consumed thousands of acres of land, left 115 dead and thousands were displaced from their homes, as reported by CNN. First responders and state leaders also revealed that the catastrophe left 388 people still missing.
In an effort to raise financial aid for those impacted by the wildfires, Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson launched a new relief fund called the People's Fund of Maui.
Taking to their social media channels, The Rock explained: "Every adult resident who lives in the affected area and was displaced by the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula is eligible to receive $1,200 per month to help them through this period of recovery."
Both stars also asked for additional public donations, with the iconic TV host stating that these contributions are guaranteed to "go to one of many residents who have been displaced in Maui".
The global megastars donated a collective $10 million to kick off the People’s Fund of Maui, however, many fans took to social media to call them out for not doing more.
One fan on the platform X said: "Please don't tell me I just saw a billionaire standing next to a millionaire begging the average, everyday citizen for donations that barely able to get by due to a recession in a country where Biden is giving away all our resources."
Another vocal fan wrote: "The pair both have massive mansions on the island and all of their property remains in pristine condition, untouched from the fire that destroyed only the poor neighborhood’s around them."
A third commented that Winfrey - who boasts an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion according to Forbes - has "more money than God" and is "shameless" for asking for donations.
A fourth user slammed: "Oprah and the Rock asking common folk for donations towards their Maui fund is WILD. Oprah got a least 5 contacts in her phone that can afford to donate more money than 99% of America combined. Boy these elites are filthy."
The actors were reportedly inspired by Dolly Parton to spearhead this initiative, and although the intention might have been noble, it seems you can't please everyone.
"We were so concerned by what was happening that we were texting back and forth. Dolly Parton had given money in her community, and I thought, 'This is the answer,'" Winfrey shared in her video message.
Adult residents of Maui will reportedly be eligible for a $1,200 monthly payment from the fund to aid in their recovery.
As of yet, neither celeb has addressed the wave of backlash. However, Winfrey has since revealed on Instagram that 10,000 people have donated so far.
