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Dwayne Johnson is addressing the backlash he received earlier this year when he co-founded a fund with Oprah Winfrey to support victims of the Maui wildfires.
“I get it and understand it completely, and I could have done better. And I’ll be better next time,” Johnson said in a video he shared on Instagram with updates on the Maui Fund. “I understand that money does not fall from the sky and does not grow on trees. There are a lot of people out there living paycheck to paycheck. And I understand, and I know what it’s like, I lived paycheck to paycheck.”
He continued, “When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, I was easily upset and frustrated, and the last thing you want to hear when you’re living paycheck to paycheck is someone asking you for money, especially if the person If he asks you for money, he already has a lot of money. So I understand. I understand. I have never launched a fund before. But I learn quickly and have learned quickly. So thank you very much.”
Johnson also informed his followers that wildfire survivors had already received the funds raised.
“Watching families and communities come together after this tragedy is inspiring and I am proud of our Polynesian people,” Johnson wrote. “Thank you to everyone who helped by sending resources, love and prayers to all those affected by the fires, and a loving Mahalo, and RESPECT to our OG cultural leaders, our local community organizations and all of our first responders and every person “that has come together to help our people.”
Watch and read Johnson’s statement in the Instagram post below.