BACKGRID

Black Twitter is accusing Oprah Winfrey of exploiting victims of the Maui wildfire tragedy for publicity purposes.

Officials for the County of Maui clarified reports that Oprah’s camera crew was denied entry to a Maui shelter.

The TV mogul, who owns an estate on the island of Maui, provided aid and comfort to some of the victims in Lahaina who lost everything in wildfires that raced across the island on August 8.

96 people are confirmed dead and the death toll is expected to rise.

Some of the homeless victims sought refuge in a shelter at War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku.

Oprah and a camera crew attempted to enter the shelter but she was told she could enter If she left the camera crew outside.

In one video, Oprah is seen handing out pillows to people in the shelter.

In a Facebook post, Maui officials explained:

“To clarify, Oprah was able to visit our shelter and we thank her for instructing media journalists and camera crews to remain outside. We welcome Oprah to continue to uplift our community’s spirit and give her aloha to victims of the tragic disaster.

“Her visit inside of the shelter today was truly heartwarming and we appreciate her understanding of our policy of having no camera crews or reporters accompanying dignitaries and celebrities in our emergency shelters. Mahalo.”

Black Twitter netizens were not as kind. They dragged “The Color Purple” star for seeking publicity at a time like this.

One person wrote:

“I don’t understand celebrities. Oprah showed up to a Maui shelter with a CBS camera crew. Would you want people coming in and getting publicity during the worst time of your life? What is wrong with people? Everything’s a show. Have some humanity.”