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New York Times
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Oprah Opens Maui Road to Help Residents Flee After Tsunami Warning
Oprah Winfrey opened a private road on a property she owns in Maui to help residents evacuate after a tsunami warning, according to the authorities on the Hawaiian island. Ms. Winfrey, the billionaire media mogul, has renovated a ranch on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, a dormant volcano, and owns a road that runs from a coastal area in the southwestern part of the island to higher ground. 'Oprah's road is open to get Upcountry,' Maui County officials said in a statement on Tuesday, citing the Maui Police Department. Some people on social media had previously accused Ms. Winfrey of keeping the road closed. A representative of Ms. Winfrey's Harpo Productions company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Residents of Hawaii fled coastal areas after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake in the North Pacific off the coast of Russia prompted tsunami warnings. Mountain roads were choked with traffic and flights were canceled. The tsunami appeared to have caused little damage in Hawaii by early Wednesday, state officials said. The first waves arrived at about 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening Pacific time, flooding streets and parking lots. The tsunami warning for Hawaii was later downgraded to an advisory, meaning that it could cause dangerous currents but not necessarily further widespread flooding, and state officials said those who had evacuated could return home based on the assessments and directives of each county's authorities. Ms. Winfrey is one of several billionaires who have spent millions on property on Maui, which boasts lush vegetation and stunning views. Others include Jeff Bezos and Peter Thiel. In 2023, Ms. Winfrey bought and distributed supplies to people hurt by deadly wildfires on the island.
The South African
2 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Trump alleges illegal campaign payments to Beyoncé and Oprah
On 27 July 2025, Donald Trump publicly accused Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Oprah Winfrey, and Reverend Al Sharpton of receiving illegal payments in exchange for endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. Trump alleged on his Truth Social platform that the Harris campaign paid Beyoncé $11 million (R200.2 million), Oprah $3 million (R54.6 million), and Sharpton $600,000 (R10.92 million). However, no verified documentation currently supports these claims. The US Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings directly contradict the figures Trump cited, showing significantly lower and legally justifiable amounts for campaign-related services. According to FEC records, Beyoncé's company, Parkwood Entertainment, received $165,000 (R3.01 million) for a fundraising concert. The payment covered event production and not a personal endorsement. Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions produced a nationally televised town hall featuring Kamala Harris and received $1 million (R18.25 million) for the event. Campaign filings and New York Post reporting confirmed this figure. Meanwhile, the Harris campaign donated $500 000 (R9.12 million) to the National Action Network, founded by Reverend Al Sharpton. The Harris campaign publicly disclosed the donation but did not specify its exact purpose in official filings. No evidence links the payment to any endorsement. and PolitiFact state that such payments are legal if they reflect fair market value and are properly reported. Legal experts also confirm that no verified evidence supports Donald Trump's claim that these celebrities were paid to endorse Harris. Tina Knowles publicly stated that Beyoncé did not receive payment to support Kamala Harris. She stated on Instagram that her daughter covered all personal costs. Oprah Winfrey also responded to the allegations. She confirmed she received no personal payment from the campaign. Instead, Harpo Productions handled event staffing and production under a formal contract. Meanwhile, Reverend Al Sharpton's team addressed the controversy. They denied that he took payment for endorsement. They also explained that campaign funds supported community outreach and event logistics. Legal experts also confirmed the transactions were lawful. The payments were disclosed and reflected fair market value. Legal analysts have raised doubts about Donald Trump's recent calls for criminal charges against Democrats and celebrities who supported Kamala Harris. US campaign finance law permits payments to individuals or entities if campaigns properly disclose them, ensure they reflect fair market value for legitimate services, and avoid using them for personal benefit unrelated to campaign activity. However, legality may still depend on the payment's intent and context, as determined by the Federal Election Commission or the Department of Justice. According to FEC filings and public records, the Harris campaign paid Beyoncé's Parkwood Entertainment and Oprah's Harpo Productions for event production, not endorsements. However, no verified legal expert has confirmed that Trump's accusations meet the threshold for criminal prosecution. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Trump to prosecute Kamala Harris, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey? US President reiterates explosive warning
US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that Oprah Winfrey and Beyoncé of taking millions of dollars from Democrats during the 2024 election in return for their endorsements. He has also declared that former Vice President Kamala Harris be prosecuted along with Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey and Al Sharpton, according to US media reports. Trump said that he was "looking at the large amount of money owed by the Democrats," claiming that the two A-listers had received $14 million from the party between them. Trump to prosecute Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce? The accusation follows a week of Trump's renewed interest in the Democrats' spending during the 2024 campaign. On Monday, Trump claimed that Beyoncé had been paid $11 million "to walk onto a stage, quickly ENDORSE KAMALA, and walk off" without doing any kind of musical performance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop In Laguna - Watch What Happens Happy in Shape Undo 'I'm looking at the large amount of money owed by the Democrats, after the Presidential Election,' Trump began on Truth Social Saturday. 'These ridiculous fees were incorrectly stated in the books and records. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY FOR AN ENDORSEMENT. IT IS TOTALLY ILLEGAL TO DO SO.' ALSO READ: Happy Gilmore 2 declared a must watch by Taylor Swift with 13/10 review. The reason is totally expected 'Can you imagine what would happen if politicians started paying for people to endorse them. All hell would break out.' Live Events Kamala Harris campaign drew massive criticism over $165,000 payments to Beyonce's production company, Parkwood Entertainment, for an Oct. 26 Houston rally. The payment was made on November 19, weeks after Beyoncé endorsed Harris at a rally in Houston. Winfrey's production company, Harpo Productions, was paid $1 million for a live stream event she helped organize in Michigan. Harris' team also sent $500,000 to Sharpton's National Action Network, according to New York Post. Records from the Federal Election Commission do not show an $11 million payment from the Harris campaign to Beyoncé. Trump did not cite specific news reports in his post, and it is unclear where the $11 million figure came from. ALSO READ: Trump's Scotland tour to promote golf resorts has a shocking price tag for Americans, sparks backlash What Beyonce said at Kamal Harris rally Beyoncé said at a campaign rally for then-Vice President Kamala Harris in October: "I'm not here as a celebrity. I'm not here as a politician. I'm here as a mother—a mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in, a world where we have the freedom to control our bodies, a world where we're not divided." 'Eleven Million Dollars to singer Beyoncé for an ENDORSEMENT (she never sang, not one note, and left the stage to a booing and angry audience!), Three Million Dollars for 'expenses,' to Oprah, Six Hundred Thousand Dollars to very low rated TV 'anchor,' Al Sharpton (a total lightweight!), and others.' Trump has peddled similar claims in the past. Last December, he alleged the Harris campaign paid the three for an endorsement, but cited slightly different figures. That time, he claimed Democrats sent '$11,000,000, $2,000,000, and $500,000 to get the ENDORSEMENT of Beyoncé, Oprah, and Reverend Al.' ALSO READ: 'Made me a meme': Ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron to sue Coldplay over viral kiss cam controversy. Chris Martin reacts 'Beyoncé didn't sing, Oprah didn't do much of anything (she called it 'expenses'), and Al is just a third rate Con Man,' he groused at the time. In May, Trump revisited the accusations as well, publicly asking how much the Harris campaign paid Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Winfrey and Beyonce. The Harris campaign previously addressed questions about the payments made to Beyonce's production company and denied paying for an endorsement. Beyonce's mother has also publicly denied reports that her daughter was paid up to $11 million to speak at the Harris rally. Winfrey has also previously insisted she 'was not paid a dime' to participate in the event with Harris, but instead had production fees covered by the campaign. The White House has not yet confirmed if it will be pursuing any legal action against the Democrats or the Harris campaign.
International Business Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- International Business Times
Trump Calls for Prosecution of Kamala Harris, Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey and Several Others Over 2024 Election Campaign Payouts
President Donald Trump demanded that former Vice President Kamala Harris be prosecuted, along with a few celebrities like Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Al Sharpton, over payments they allegedly received during the 2024 election. Trump alleged that Harris' campaign paid the celebrities millions of dollars for their appearances, claiming the payments were unlawful contributions meant to promote her unsuccessful presidential run. "I'm looking at the large amount of money owed by the Democrats, after the Presidential Election," Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday, adding, "These ridiculous fees were incorrectly stated in the books and records. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY FOR AN ENDORSEMENT. IT IS TOTALLY ILLEGAL TO DO SO." Trump Attacks Harris Donald Trump X "Can you imagine what would happen if politicians started paying for people to endorse them. All hell would break out." During the 2024 election cycle, Harris' campaign faced backlash over several high-profile payments, including $165,000 to Beyoncé's company, Parkwood Entertainment, for a rally held in Houston on October 26. Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions received $1 million for coordinating a livestream event in Michigan, while Harris' campaign also paid $500,000 to Al Sharpton's organization, the National Action Network. Many Hollywood celebrities including pop icon Beyonce have supported Presidential campaign of Kamala Harris X In his Truth Social post, Trump mentioned different figures, though the source of those numbers was unclear. All three celebrities have previously shown support for Democratic candidates. "Eleven Million Dollars to singer Beyoncé for an ENDORSEMENT (she never sang, not one note, and left the stage to a booing and angry audience!), Three Million Dollars for 'expenses,' to Oprah, Six Hundred Thousand Dollars to very low rated TV 'anchor,' Al Sharpton (a total lightweight!), and others." Kamala Harris X "They should all be prosecuted! Thank you for your attention to this matter." No Stopping Trump Trump has made similar accusations earlier too. Back in December, he claimed that Harris' campaign paid the three celebrities for their endorsements, though he gave slightly different amounts. Kamala Harris at the Oprah Winfrey fundraiser YouTube At that time, he alleged that Democrats paid "$11 million, $2 million, and $500,000" to secure the support of Beyoncé, Oprah, and Reverend Al. "Beyoncé didn't sing, Oprah didn't do much of anything (she called it 'expenses'), and Al is just a third rate Con Man," he claimed at the time. Many of the musicians and artists who supported Harris chose not to perform at her campaign events last year, instead offering their backing in more conventional ways. In May, Trump brought up the allegations again, openly questioning how much the Harris campaign had paid Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Winfrey, and Beyoncé. Harris' campaign had previously responded to questions on the payment to Beyoncé's company, saying that the funds were not in exchange for an endorsement. Beyonce at Kamala Harris' Houston rally X Beyoncé's mother has publicly refuted claims that her daughter received up to $11 million for appearing at a Harris campaign rally. Winfrey has also said that she "was not paid a dime" for her involvement in the Harris event, explaining that the campaign only covered production-related expenses. According to Open Secrets, Harris' campaign raised a hefty amount of political funding, collecting $1.15 billion directly and an additional $843 million from outside groups. In comparison, Trump's campaign brought in $464 million, with an additional $989 million coming from outside sources, according to Open Secrets. Trump shared his Truth Social post while on a four-day trip to the United Kingdom.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Trump demands Kamala Harris, Beyoncé, Oprah be prosecuted over 2024 campaign payouts: ‘Totally illegal'
President Trump demanded that former Vice President Kamala Harris be prosecuted — along with Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey and Al Sharpton fees that were paid to the stars during the 2024 election. Trump claimed that the stars were paid millions of dollars by Harris' campaign for appearances — and that the money amounted to illegal payments to endorse Harris' failed presidential bid. 'I'm looking at the large amount of money owed by the Democrats, after the Presidential Election,' Trump began on Truth Social Saturday. 'These ridiculous fees were incorrectly stated in the books and records. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY FOR AN ENDORSEMENT. IT IS TOTALLY ILLEGAL TO DO SO.' 3 Trump alleged that high-profile figures were paid to endorse Kamala Harris during her failed presidential bid. Getty Images 'Can you imagine what would happen if politicians started paying for people to endorse them. All hell would break out.' During the 2024 cycle, Harris' campaign drew criticism over $165,000 payments from Beyonce's production company, Parkwood Entertainment, for an Oct. 26 Houston rally. Beyonce's mother has publicly denied reports that her daughter was paid up to $11 million to speak at the Harris rally. 3 Beyoncé didn't perform at a rally for Kamala Harris, instead speaking at a podium. Getty Images Winfrey's production company, Harpo Productions, was paid $1 million for a live stream event she helped organize in Michigan. Harris' team also sent $500,000 to Sharpton's National Action Network. Trump cited different numbers in his Truth Social post. It was not immediately clear where they come from. 3 Beyoncé's mother denied the pop star was paid to endorse Kamala Harris. Julian Dakdouk via PictureGroup/Shutterstock 'Eleven Million Dollars to singer Beyoncé for an ENDORSEMENT (she never sang, not one note, and left the stage to a booing and angry audience!), Three Million Dollars for 'expenses,' to Oprah, Six Hundred Thousand Dollars to very low rated TV 'anchor,' Al Sharpton (a total lightweight!), and others.' 'They should all be prosecuted! Thank you for your attention to this matter.' The Post has reached out to Harris for comment.
