*Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has responded to the backlash over the launch of his fundraising effort with Oprah Winfrey for the Maui wildfires.
We reported previously that Johnson and Winfrey announced the People’s Fund of Maui in August and stated in a video that they donated $10 million to get the campaign off the ground. They also called on the public to donate to the effort.
“As we have seen firsthand, the impacts of these wildfires have been devastating, and we’re here to ensure with 100% guarantee that your donations will go directly into the hands of Lahaina residents,” Winfrey and Johnson said at the time, UPI News reports.
The relief fund aims to provide “direct relief” to those affected by the recent wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.
Many criticized Oprah’s land ownership on the island and the irony of two wealthy celebrities asking for donations to help those impacted by the disaster. Forbes estimates Johnson’s net worth at $270 million and Winfrey’s at $2.5 billion.
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Johnson said he “could’ve done better” with how the fundraiser was publicly rolled out.
“When we first launched the fund, there was some backlash,” Johnson said in a video shared to his Instagram on Sunday. “I get it and I completely understand, and I could’ve been better. And next time I will be better.”
The former professional wrestler noted that “money ain’t falling out of the sky, and it’s not growing on trees, and there’s a lot of people out there who’s living paycheck to paycheck. And I get it, and I know what that’s like.”
Johnson continued, “When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you are easily pissed off. It’s frustrating. And the last thing you want to hear when you’re living paycheck to paycheck is someone asking you for money — especially when the person asking you for money already has a lot of money. I get it, I understand.”
He added, “I’ve never launched a fund before, but I’m a quick study and lesson learned.”
As USA Today reports, Johnson said the first round of applicants are starting to receive the $1,200 monthly stipend.
“I’m so grateful and moved by all the messages I’m receiving out of Maui from the survivors of the devastating wildfires who are now getting their personal funding from The People’s Fund of Maui,” he posted online. “The strength of our people of Maui is beautiful and inspiring. Watching families and community come together after this tragedy is inspirational and I’m proud of our Polynesian people.”
“Thank you to everyone who has helped by sending resources, love and prayers to all people affected by the fires and a loving mahalo and RESPECT to our OG cultural leaders, our local community organizations, and all our first responders and every person who came together to help our people,” Johnson wrote.
READ MORE: Critics Slam Oprah and Dwayne Johnson’s Maui Wildfire Fund
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