Dwayne Johnson is speaking out after facing backlash for asking people to donate to a Maui fire recovery fund.
The actor, 51, teamed up with Oprah Winfrey to launch the People’s Fund for Maui on Aug. 31, and the pair kicked things off by pledging a combined $10 million. However, their call to the public to contribute has drawn some criticism.
The Young Rock star, who once lived in Hawaii, candidly acknowledged the reaction in a video posted to his Instagram page on Sunday.
“When we first launched the fund, there was some backlash that came with launching the fund, and I want to address that backlash,” he told his followers. “I understand that and I completely understand, and I could have done better. And I will do better next time.”
He also said he understands that “money doesn’t fall from the sky and it doesn’t grow on trees,” and that many Americans are currently “living paycheck to paycheck.”
“I get it. I know what it’s like. I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck,” he continued. “When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, the last thing you want to hear is someone asking you for money, especially when the person asking you for money already has a lot of money.”
Johnson admitted that he could have handled things better and that the situation was an experience for him.
“I’ve never started a fund before, but I’m a quick learner,” he noted.
Dwayne Johnson says he is ‘absolutely devastated’ by Hawaii wildfires as death toll continues to rise
In the description of his video, he thanked his followers for their constructive comments.
“You always tell me the truth – good or bad – I will always cherish and protect that honest conversation between us – you have my word that you will always listen to me, learn, grow and be better,” he wrote.
Before delivering the criticism, Johnson shared some positive news about the fund in his video.
“I have great news, really great news, which I am very grateful to share with you,” he said. “Thousands and thousands of survivors, families, have now, over the past few weeks, started receiving their first round of funding. They’re receiving their money, and I have to tell you, it’s been the most satisfying and moving thing.”
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Oprah Winfrey, Dwayne Johnson Launch Fund — With $10 Million Donation — For Those Affected by Maui Wildfires
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson appear in a video announcing the People’s Fund of Maui.
Oprah/Instagram
At the time of the fund’s launch, Johnson and Winfrey, 69, explained in a video that adults who lost their primary homes in the Lahaina and Kula fires would be eligible to receive $1,200 a month to help them get back on their feet.
The talk show icon shared in the video that the idea for the fund was inspired by Dolly Parton’s long history of philanthropy.
“I read this article about Dolly Parton giving money in her community, and I said, ‘I think this is the answer,'” said Winfrey, a part-time Maui resident.
Winfrey and Johnson explained that they want the money to go directly into people’s hands “with some real immediacy” so they can navigate their own recovery journey.
“The ability for people to have their own agency, the ability to make their own decisions about what they need and what their family needs — that’s our goal, is to get that to people now,” Winfrey said.
Oprah Winfrey donates and helps residents amid ‘overwhelming’ wildfires in Hawaii
In a press release announcing the fund, Winfrey referred to her first-hand experience with the devastation caused by the wildfires, after visiting the area and learning from residents that financial assistance is their most urgent need.
“I have been meeting with people throughout the community who have been affected by the fires over the past few weeks, asking them what they need most and how I can help,” she said in a statement. “The main thing I heard was their concern about how to move forward under a huge financial burden.”
“The community has come together in so many wonderful ways, and my intention is to support those affected as they decide what recovery looks like for them,” she added.
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Source: HIS Education