Tv personality Oprah Winfrey and her camera crew were denied access to enter a shelter in Hawaii that is being used to house families impacted by the deadly wildfires that ripped through Maui.
As Oprah and a CBS News crew made their way to the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku, where many displaced families are being housed, authorities denied Oprah and the film crew access to the shelter.
Officials revealed they denied Oprah access “Out of respect for those who have come to seek safety and shelter at emergency shelters, our policy remains that no media are given access”.
Oprah who owns over 800 acres in Maui was not impacted by the deadly wildfires and it was reported none of her properties were touched by the raging fires.
Well done to whoever had the guts to say no to Oprah Winfrey as TV crew is banned from Maui fire shelter https://t.co/DDyyW4sSXP via @americanwire_
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) August 14, 2023
TV crew with Oprah turned away from shelter housing Maui fire survivors during media mogul’s visit https://t.co/0W2bXF1eS8 pic.twitter.com/LQnHTojabt
— New York Post (@nypost) August 14, 2023
Check out what Sky News reported:
Oprah Winfrey and her camera crew were turned away from a shelter for survivors of the Hawaii wildfires – as officials confirmed at least 96 people are now dead.
ADVERTISEMENTThe TV personality, who has spent recent days helping with aid efforts during a visit to the state, was accompanied by a CBS News crew when she was denied entry to the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku.
Officials said that while they appreciated Oprah’s work, “out of respect for those who have come to seek safety and shelter at emergency shelters, our policy remains that no media are given access”.
The County of Maui later clarified that Oprah was welcomed into the facility after she instructed the camera crew to remain outside.
“We welcome Oprah to continue to uplift our community’s spirit and give her aloha to victims of the tragic disaster,” a Facebook post said. “Her visit inside of the shelter today was truly heartwarming.”
She has been pictured this week on social media visiting at least one shelter, helping to hand out supplies and giving comfort to victims.
"TV crew with Oprah turned away from shelter housing Maui fire survivors during media mogul's visit."
A small victory for the folks in Maui.
Good for YOU ‼️Don't sell one inch of land
Let's find out who started this fire!
What say you? ⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/ElvscVIeeJ
— FΞRRΞΞ (@USNR_Veteran) August 14, 2023
Per The New York Post:
A camera crew that was accompanying Oprah Winfrey as she visited Maui wildfire survivors inside a Hawaii shelter Sunday was turned away at the door due to a no-media policy inside, officials said.
The famous television host and media mogul helped raise the spirits of Maui residents at the War Memorial Complex without the cameras capturing the moment due to the ongoing policy by county officials.
Winfrey, who lives on the Hawaiian island part-time, has made multiple trips to comfort those impacted by the raging fires that have killed nearly 100 people and destroyed or damaged over 2,000 structures.
ADVERTISEMENT“Oprah was able to visit our shelter and we thank her for instructing media journalists and camera crews to remain outside,” the County of Maui wrote on Facebook. “We welcome Oprah to continue to uplift our community’s spirit and give her aloha to victims of the tragic disaster.
Oprah's TV crew turned away from Maui fire shelter #Society https://t.co/zLWZUZro87
— VOZ (@Voz_US) August 14, 2023
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