Hawaii wildfires: Oprah Winfrey, her camera crew turned away from Maui wildfire shelter

Oprah Winfrey visited the Maui wildfire survivors at a Hawaii shelter on Sunday with her camera crew, but things took an unexpected turn when officials turned them away owing to the shelter's stringent no-media policy, according to authorities.

At the War Memorial Complex, the well-known television presenter and media mogul comforted Maui citizens in a touching scene that was missed by the cameras because of the strict rule enforced by county officials.

Oprah Winfrey has paid numerous sympathetic visits to families affected by the catastrophic fires, which have taken 93 lives and severely damaged more than 2,000 structures.

According to reports, the media ban placed by the authorities prevented Oprah Winfrey, 69, and a CBS crew from entering the shelter.

Authorities acknowledged Oprah for her participation and appreciated her efforts. They emphasized their dedication to maintaining the no-media rule at emergency shelters, saying that this position is in respect of the people looking for safety and sanctuary.

Later, the County of Maui offered more details, suggesting that Oprah was, in fact, allowed to enter the facility. This occurred after she instructed her camera crew to remain outside in order to adhere to the shelter's media guidelines.

Winfrey recently discussed her desire to assist the survivors in the shelter during an interview with the BBC there.

After engaging with locals to learn about their needs, Winfrey delivered items like pillows, shampoo, diapers, and bedding that she had purchased from retail behemoths like Walmart and Costco. Winfrey has lived part-time on the island for 15 years and owns a sizable 2,000-acre tract of land.

Winfrey has already visited the emergency shelter three times, according to local reports, and has vowed to continue helping those who have been uprooted and affected by the catastrophic fire for as long as is necessary.

With 93 fatalities, the wildfires are now the deadliest in the US in more than a century and have caused significant damage to Maui.