Oprah Winfrey has responded after viral social media posts claimed she kept her private road closed off despite tsunami warnings in Hawaii, with other roads gridlocked with people fleeing the coast to reach higher ground.

Her spokesperson said the road on Winfrey’s property is owned by Haleakalā Ranch. Winfrey has an easement agreement with the ranch.

"Oprah Winfrey's road" in Maui became a viral trend on X as Hawaiians rushed to safety amid a tsunami warning. People alleged in viral videos that Winfrey was refusing to open her gated road for people trying to escape to safety.