Two Disney legends are currently in some hot water after asking fans for money. Here’s the full scoop!
The Controversy Begins, Not With a Scandal, But With the Maui Wildfires
READ MORE: Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Help Extinguish Maui Aftermath Fires
It all began with the devastating Maui fires, which tragically left nearly a thousand victims homeless, claimed the lives of over a hundred souls, and injured an incalculable amount of people.
It’s no secret that Hawaii holds a special place in Dwayne Johnson’s heart, as his mother was born in the Aloha State. So, it came as no surprise when the former professional wrestler teamed up with another Disney veteran in an attempt to aid the victims of the Maui wildfire.
Two Disney Stars Team Up and Work Together
READ MORE: Universal Studios Group Ends Contract with Actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have a lot in common, but their most notable similarities may be their involvement in Disney movies. Winfrey voiced Princess Tiana’s mother (Eudora) in The Princess and the Frog (2009), while Johnson voiced Maui the demigod in Moana (2016).
Not only that, but the two also have live-action Disney ties; Winfrey played Mrs. Which in Disney’s adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time (2018), while Johnson led Disney’s Jungle Cruise (2021) film, which also starred Emily Blunt.
Disney ties aside, Oprah Winfrey and the former WWE superstar have another thing in common: their desire to help in the wake of the devastating wildfires.
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson’s Philanthropy
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We recently reported on the People’s Fund of Maui, Oprah and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s philanthropic creation. The People’s Fund of Maui was designed to “distribute cash directly to those who were displaced and affected by the fire.” Furthermore, it was stated that “all net proceeds” from each contribution would go to the victims who were “directly impacted in Maui.”
Showing their dedication to help further, Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson each donated 5 million dollars, giving the fund a startup boost of $10 million and encouraging others to contribute.
This is where the controversy comes in…
And So the Controversy Begins…
The two Disney actors designed the fund to relieve the Maui wildfire victims of the immense financial burden that undoubtedly comes with losing one’s home and health.
However, some fans have come forward and shared their opinions, and it seems there has been some backlash due to this fund.
Reportedly, some of the general public has spoken out, claiming that it’s inappropriate for one of the wealthiest “self-made women in America” and the “highest-paid actor in America” to ask the working class for money, regardless of the reason.
Is This an Act of Kindness, or Something More Sinister..?
READ MORE: Dwayne Johnson Abandons $86 Million Film in Surprise Move
It can’t be denied that Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Winfrey have more money than much of the general public will have in their lifetimes (put together, even). But it also can’t be denied that the People’s Fund of Maui was made with good intentions…right?
Some of the general public firmly believe that this highly public act of philanthropy and service, committed by some of our society’s wealthiest, has been committed only for good PR.
While we can’t say precisely why the two Disney performers created the fund, we firmly hope every dollar goes to the Maui wildfire victims as intended.
Unbelievable people see a negative out of this. They don’t have to give THEIR money at all it’s quite rude to expect
The people complaining are the ones who do not give to anything, they feel that they should be on the receiving end. Oprah and The Rock are very generous people who actually care.
Two things. First the title of this article is so misleading…like he was truly CAUGHT implying so much more. Second, people do not have to donate to something they don’t want to donate to. When I first saw this I was amazed and the heart and kindness that these two have to create this fund.
With that in mind, I don’t understand why you would end the article with this. “While we can’t say precisely why the two Disney performers created the fund, we firmly hope every dollar goes to the Maui wildfire victims as intended.” It’s OBVIOUS why they created the fund and I’m sure there is accountability for the funds to go to the people…as it is intended.
Funny, that there are only positive comments toward these two actors. 5 million each is a drop in the bucket for a billionaire and for the Rock who’s close to being one. For the Ones who say the complainers don’t give is a Joke! Doesn’t it make you wonder why Disney and other film companies are dropping the Rock under the guise of the Hollywood strike? No matter, these 2 are finished and it’s Due to them Begging for our money when we are faced with the most ridiculous Inflation Rate Ever!! They are set for life and for generations to come, We the People live from paycheck to paycheck, we don’t have the luxury they have. I would rather live this life knowing I have Eternal Life through Jesus Christ’ Sacrifice of His Spilled Blood on His Cross, seeing that my life in the end will be Rewarded with Heavenly Riches compared to these who die without Christ, this, is the best they will ever have.
The more money for the fund the better! Quit being a crybaby and give credit where it is due. They’re trying to do something good and negative people like you just put them down. Part of the problem in the world today.
You sound jealous more than a Christian eluding the fact that you d not know if they believe or don’t believe in Christ which is the only way to salvation.
Karrie, John, James, I couldn’t agree with you more! Oprah & Dwayne Johnson DIDN’T HAVE to donate ANYTHING to nor create a fund for the Maui fire victims. I’m so tired of people like Jerry Ferl commenting above, that because someone is wealthy, their giving us never enough. I am quite positive, 5 million dollars is NOT a drop in the bucket. Especially in that neither Oprah nor Dwayne were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. They both WORKED VERY HARD to get to where they are. With their talent, tenacity, intelligence, some blessings of others that saw their talent, and their hard work and perseverance they became what they are and have today. ANYONE including you and I Jerry, with the drive they have, could do the same. One shouldn’t discount their hard work. I come from a very humble background. My dad was in the Air Force with 6 children. My Mom is Hawaiian and was also in the Air Force, she joined to be able to afford to leave Hawaii and see the world. They met while stationed Texas, both Privates. When Mom got pregnant with my oldest brother she could no longer serve. We didn’t have much at all, growing up, but we had what we needed. Our dad worked hard, went to school, worked a night job and retired 22 years later a Sr. Master Sergeant. It wasn’t until we children were all grown and he retired and became a Realtor and then a Broker that my dad started making real money. He worked very very hard his whole life and when he passed he was fairly well off, leaving my mom a decent life to survive on. People that are born poor or working class have every tool they need in their mind and body to become successful. Not all of us go for it in a way that others do, who become successful and self made millionaires. I am a single mom, working middle class. I’ve had tragedy beyond imagination that stunted some areas in my life, but I always continued working hard and expect nothing from anyone, but extremely thankful for all blessings that have come my way. When my youngest son died blessings came to help me afford to bury him. I didn’t expect anything and especially didn’t expect my wealthy extended family to help in any way. But people helped and I am so grateful. Because of them I buried my son in a beautiful celebration, Hawaiian way, and I was able to take one month off of work. I felt very blessed. No one owes me anything. No one HAS to give money. As a Christian, I am intentional on being thankful. I see the beauty in one’s giving of any kind. Oprah and Dwayne, I thank you for sharing, for giving, for asking others to give too. This article is detrimental, people judging how much someone gives and their intentions, will keep others from doing the same. Judge not. Work hard. Be thankful.
I cannot believe that people are angry about being asked to help. It doesn’t matter by whom. The stars donated millions. Millions! But guess what? It’s just still not enough. They did what they could. Now it’s up to is to donate what we can. For some of us it’s $50 for some it may be just $5. Almost everyone with access to read this can donate $5, if they chose. Some just plain may have other places themed rather donate for other reasons. Just don’t knock the people doing what they can to help.
Once again the cancel culture convicts without a trial, gossip and out rage over a few ppl claming false accusations without all the facts. What a wonderful world we live in.