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The Rock Responds to Criticism Of His Maui Wildfires Fund With Oprah Winfrey

The Rock took to social media to address criticism that he received after launching a fund for victims of the Maui wildfires alongside Oprah Winfrey. The actor and WWE star launched the People’s Fund of Maui back in August along with Winfrey, and the two each donated $5 million to the fund while asking their fans to also contribute. The two got backlash online for asking fans to donate and not giving more themselves. Forbes reports that Rock is worth $270 million, while Winfrey is said to be worth $2.5 billion.
Rock posted a video to his Instagram account commenting on the backlash, which you can see below. He captioned it:
“Update on the People’s Fund of Maui
I’m so grateful and moved by all the messages I’m receiving out of Maui from the survivors of the devastating wildfires who are now getting their personal funding from The People’s Fund of Maui.
The strength of our people of Maui is beautiful and inspiring. Watching families and community come together after this tragedy is inspirational and I’m proud of our Polynesian people. Thank you to everyone who has helped by sending resources, love and prayers to all people affected by the fires and a loving mahalo and RESPECT to our OG cultural leaders, our local community organizations, and all our first responders and every person who came together to help our people.
And to everyone in my social media community right here. Our connection is everything because we only know how to be REAL with each other. You always tell me the truth – good or bad – I’ll always appreciate and protect that straight talk between us – you have my word to always listen, learn, grow and do better.
I’ve never launched a fund before – trust me, I’m a quick study and learn my lessons fast
I totally get it and I appreciate you.
To our Maui/Lahaina survivors,
Mana is in our DNA.
All of us.
We get knocked down.
We rise back up stronger, as one.
That’s who we are as Polynesian people.
And that’s who we are as Americans.
STAY STRONG MAUI
Love you.”