Dwayne Johnson is addressing the backlash he received earlier this year when alongside Oprah Winfrey started a fund to aid victims of the Maui wildfires.
“I get it and I completely understand, and I could have been better. And next time, I will be better,” Johnson said in a video he shared on Instagram with updates to the Maui fund. “I understand money ain’t falling out of the sky and it’s not growing on trees. 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, I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck.”
He continued, “When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, I was easily pissed off, and I was frustrated, and the last thing you want to hear when you are living paycheck to paycheck is someone asking you for money, especially when the person asking you for money, already has a lot of money. So I get it. I understand. I’ve never launched a fund before. But I’m a quick study and lesson learned. So thank you.”
Johnson also updated his followers noting that survivors of the wildfires were already receiving the funds collected.
“Watching families and community come together after this tragedy is inspirational and I’m proud of our Polynesian people,” Johnson posted. “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.”
Watch and read Johnson’s statement in the Instagram post below.
