Early August 2023 saw the island of Maui devastated by wildfires. These fires not only affected the wildlife but also affected thousands of people who lived there. Having his ancestors back in Maui, Dwayne Johnson teamed up with retired TV host Oprah Winfrey to start a campaign, The Maui People’s Fund.

However, this noble intention received major backlash due to the factor that both celebrities were well worth over $3 billion combined.

Dwayne The Rock Johnson apologies for the Maui fund backlash

In August 2023, Johnson and Winfrey took to social media to announce the Maui’s People fund. In the video posted to their Instagram, the duo announced they donated $5 million each and urged people to donate as well. The public didn’t take well to this, as The Rock’s net worth was $820 million, and Winfrey was over $3 billion.

The media and fans brutally trolled the former TV host and the WWE star. The Rock finally broke his silence on the matter by addressing his fans on Instagram. He gave an update about the situation in Maui, where he also addressed the backlash issue.

He began by acknowledging the backlash around the fund campaign. The Rock said, “I understand money ain’t falling out of the sky. It’s not growing on trees.” Johnson further addressed the fact that the majority of people lived paycheck to paycheck. He went on to talk about the struggles he had when he was living that way.

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He confessed that during his times of struggles, even he didn’t want to hear someone with money ask him to donate. Johnson added, “I get it. I understand. I’d never launched a fund before, but I’m a quick study and lesson learned, so thank you.” Owning up to his mistake showed how humble the rock is and how regretful he is about the backlash. Prior to the acknowledgment, he also gave an update on the conditions of the people back in Maui.

Johnson provides a hopeful message about the people of Maui

Before addressing the backlash over the fund, The Rock gave an update on the people in Maui. He said that the recipients had already received the first line of payments. This would help people who lost everything in the fires finally get back on their feet.

He also thanked the community for the messages and video that showed support for the people struggling during these hard times. Johnson also added that this was his first fund campaign and that he would be better next time.

What do you make of the Hollywood star’s response to the criticism he received? Let us know in the comments section below.

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