A plethora of celebs – including Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Nicks And Nicole Scherzinger – are facing a lot of criticism for their deaf behavior in connection with the devastating wildfires on Maui, Hawaii, which are currently claiming 99 lives.
Once there was lush greenery, thriving communities, and streets teeming with bustling businesses and locals, now it’s ashes, smoke, and heartache. Maui – Hawaii’s second largest island – was on fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Fire Association, the 2023 Maui wildfires are among the deadliest in U.S. history. According to CNN, they have recorded more than 99 deaths from the fires and the Hawaii governor Josh Green told the publication that the death toll would increase “very significantly” over the next 10 days.
Since the devastating fires ravaged the island, a number of celebs have come forward, asking their followers for resources and support Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne The Rock Johnson And Jason Momoa. However, other famous people are reaping a lot of backlash for their behavior after the devastating fires.
Former talk show host and author Oprah Winfrey has faced a slew of criticism after she was reportedly prevented from filming survivors of a Maui wildfire at an evacuation center.
A Country of Maui Facebook post revealed that Oprah was able to visit the shelter; However, their journalists and camera crews were asked to stay outside.
“Your visit to the shelter today was truly heartwarming and we appreciate your understanding of our policy of not having camera crews or reporters accompanying dignitaries and celebrities in our shelters,” the Facebook post read.
Although the post clarified that Oprah was not allowed to bring media, many people have criticized the host for bringing media. Most of the comments also thanked the shelter for standing up to the camera crews.
“The media has very little respect and morality. Thank you for reaching out to those who are hurting,” one person wrote.
“Excellent decision!! Appalling behavior! Wow!” wrote a second person.
“Thank god for that!! We are in a crisis, Maui doesn’t need to encourage publicity stunts,” wrote a third.
The TV host also posted a video on IG mentioning that she would be making a “big donation after all the smoke and ash clears” on Maui. In response to her video, people have been urging her to return her land on Maui to the native Hawaiians.
(Image Source: Instagram / @Oprahdaily)
(Image Source: Instagram / @Oprahdaily)
People on Twitter also suggested giving her land back.
(Image source: Twitter / @Sabbysabs2)
(Image Source: Twitter / @yashar) 
(Image Source: Twitter / @DazCherreh)
Another celebrity receiving backlash for his behavior related to the Maui wildfires is the rock star Stevie Nicks.
In a lengthy Instagram post, the “Edge of Seventeen” singer wrote about her connection to Lahaina, the island’s influence on Fleetwood Mac, and her niece’s Maui vacation.
“As I’m sure you’ve heard, the island of Maui, where I’ve had a home since the ’80s, and a small village, a small town, and the most magical place on earth, Lahaina, has burned to the ground in recent years “A few days,” the singer began her letter.
“And to make matters worse, my young niece, her husband and young son had just arrived for a much-needed vacation before her school year started.”
Ever since she posted the letter, fans of the rock star have called her out. Some mentioned that the native Hawaiians lost more than she did and that she should have found links that would have helped the people of Maui.
“Wow. I’m so disappointed in this post. You are so privileged. Who cares if it ruined someone’s vacation? Offer to help and support. Do something. This post was very self centered [sic] and shocking. I’ve always looked up to you but that’s it,” said one person with heartbroken emojis.
“You could have at least pointed resources to help everyone whose homes have been lost instead of just focusing on your family’s vacation and your Lahaina experience,” added a second.
“I really like you, Stevie, but it seems so self-centered. As a person of money and influence, you could direct people to resources for native Hawaiians, but instead you focused on your families [sic] Vacation, which is first and foremost a great privilege, and your villa and jewelry [sic]. You could have mentioned the impact of Lahaina on your life in other ways,” wrote a third.
Stevie has yet to respond to the comments, but I don’t think she will, to be honest. Comments are still open at this time, with some people defending the “Landslide” singer.
Former Pussycat Doll member Nicole Scherzinger recently disabled comments on a picture of her in a bikini.
Before qualifying her comments, Nicole was reportedly called “insensitive” to the photos by netizens, according to the Herald Sun. Since then, Nicole has posted a video on her IG urging fans to donate to the Hawaiian Red Cross to help wildfire survivors.
“Maui needs our help. Please do whatever you can to help our friends and ohana at this time of need,” the singer wrote in the caption.
heiress and DJ Paris Hilton and her husband Carter Reum were both called to a Maui vacation after paparazzi photos obtained by the Daily Mail went viral on the internet. According to the publication, the couple were reportedly staying at a resort just 30 miles (about 48 kilometers) from where the deadly fires ravaged Lahaina.
A source close to the heiress told the Daily Mail: “She absolutely helped. Maui has always had a special place in her heart. She has collected supplies and taken them to shelters and to those in need. It has already done so and will continue to do so.”
Despite this information, people still criticized the couple for their vacation.
(Image Source: Twitter / @sh_itgirl) 
(Image Source: Instagram / @parishilton) 
(Image Source: Instagram / @parishilton)
It is absolutely heartbreaking to see the devastation left by the wildfires on Maui. There were many videos on social media documenting the horrors of the fire. Many residents and visitors present at the time had to flee the fires into the sea.
Aquaman actor Jason Momoa has been very vocal about the Maui wildfires and has advised people not to visit the island during this time. He has also published a number of resources that people can use if they want to donate and help those who survived the wildfires.
Unfortunately, celebrities aren’t the only people being criticized for their questionable behavior surrounding Hawaii and the current crisis it’s undergoing.
An influencer on TikTok recently became upset after complaining that her flight to Hawaii was delayed on her birthday trip.
@soogia1 I mean you couldn’t wait a freaking week to post your birthday pics? @Dasha | Social Media Coach #readtheroom #mauifires #showsomerespect #greenscreenvideo #greenscreen ♬ Original sound – Soogia (soo-jee-yah)
When will people learn to read the damn room?
Image Source: Getty Images / Leon Benett, Dia Dipasupil and Dan Boczarski
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