Dwayne Johnson Shuts Down ‘False Clickbait Garbage’ About The People's Fund of Maui
By Favour Adegoke on February 12, 2024 at 8:45 AM EST
Dwayne Johnson vehemently denied accusations of not fulfilling aid promises to Maui, denouncing them as "false clickbait garbage" orchestrated by podcaster Nick Sortor.
Johnson clarified that the boos stemmed from his wrestling persona at a WWE event where he "turned heel," not aid issues. He emphasized the substantial contributions made through The People's Fund of Maui.
Dwayne Johnson Addresses' False Clickbait Garbage' About Maui Wildfire Funds
Actor and WWE legend Dwayne Johnson has vehemently refuted accusations from Internet personality Nick Sortor of being booed for not fulfilling aid promises to Maui, denouncing the claim as "false clickbait garbage."
Taking to X, Johnson expressed disdain for such toxic misinformation and responded directly to Sortor, writing: "I typically refrain from responding to toxic, false clickbait garbage like this because I hate dignifying bulls--- with a response, but when you use Hawaii's tragic events to draw attention to yourself I won't stay quiet."
The "Jumanji" star clarified that the boos stemmed from his wrestling persona as "the heel" during a WWE press conference, explaining: "This moment you're referring to is from our @WWE press conference this past Thursday where I turned 'heel' - wrestling parlance for bad guy. I'm playing it up with our crowd as they boo. It's what we do in our WWE universe, and we all love every second of it."
Johnson further emphasized the significant contributions made by The People's Fund of Maui, which he and Oprah Winfrey initiated, providing over $50 million in aid to fire survivors.
He then urged Sortor to uplift Hawaii and its people, adding: "Instead of posting bulls--- like this that you know is false - I encourage you to post something positive for Hawaii, for our Polynesian American people. Or actually take positive action and come to Hawaii to help out in an uplifting way."
The "Moana" actor apologized to the Polynesian community and signed off with "Aloha, DJ."
Nick Sortor Accused Dwayne Johnson Of Not Keeping Maui Promise
In his post accusing Johnson, Sortor shared a video allegedly showing a WWE crowd booing "The Rock" Johnson over unfulfilled aid promises for Maui after wildfires.
He accused Johnson and talk show legend Oprah Winfrey of not delivering promised funds to Maui fire victims, writing: "Oprah and Dwayne @The Rock Johnson promised TENS OF MILLIONS to the victims of the Maui fires, but many victims still have not seen a dime."
He continued: "It looks like the audience is fully AMERICA FIRST and is demanding The Rock and Oprah follow through with their commitment to take care of the people of Lahaina."
He went further to claim that the chant in the video was "MAUI! MAUI! MAUI!" but the chant's clarity has been disputed.
Nick Sortor Says He Is Willing To 'Hear The Rock Out'
Despite a community note clarifying the context of the booing video, Sortor stands firm in his wild allegations.
Responding to the Hollywood movie star, Sortor extended an invitation to Johnson to discuss the aid issue.
"I'm willing to hear the Rock out, and I'm hoping we can work together to force the government to actually provide meaningful aid to these victims," he wrote.
However, he also acknowledged an unfounded allegation under his post that suggested that the Maui fund "was all a way for the Rock to launder money through Oprah's NGO."
In response, he commented: "Many people on the island absolutely believe that."
Dwayne Johnson Receives Backlash For Asking Donation For The People's Fund of Maui
Following the devastating Maui fires, which claimed the lives of approximately 100 individuals and left countless others injured and displaced last summer, Johnson and Winfrey announced the creation of the People's Fund of Maui in August.
Each contributing $5 million, they aimed to aid those affected by the Lahaina and Kula fires, offering $1200 monthly to those who lost their primary residences.
However, at the time, Johnson also faced initial backlash for soliciting donations. Taking to Instagram, the "Fast X" actor acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding financial assistance, stating: "When we first launched the fund, there was some backlash. I get it and I completely understand, and I could've been better. And next time, I will be better."
He continued: "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."
"The last thing you want to hear when you are living from paycheck to paycheck is someone asking you for money, especially when the person asking you for money already has a lot of money," he added.
