‘I Might Have Achieved Higher’: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Addresses Maui Fundraiser Backlash

Actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson addressed the backlash to his Maui fundraiser in a prolonged video posted to his Instagram account on Sunday.

Followers criticized the well-known actor after he teamed up with Oprah Winfrey to launch the Folks’s Fund for Maui in August in response to the devastation attributable to wildfires. The pair pledged $10 million of their very own cash however many followers had been angered that the 2 rich figures would enchantment to the financially burdened basic public for funds.

Johnson, who used to reside in Hawaii, confronted the backlash head-on and declared his willingness to enhance.

“Once we first launched the fund, there was some backlash that got here with launching the fund, and I need to deal with that backlash,” he informed his followers. “I get it, and I utterly perceive, and I may have been higher. And subsequent time, I will likely be higher.”

Johnson acknowledged the monetary struggles of the typical citizen by noting that he understands “cash ain’t falling out of the sky, and it’s not rising on bushes.” He additionally mentioned he acknowledged that many People are strapped for money and reminded his followers that he as soon as confronted the identical challenges.

“I get it. I do know what it’s like. I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck,” he mentioned.

He admitted that his feedback had been tone deaf and that the supply of his message may have used some refinement.

“When you find yourself residing paycheck to paycheck, the very last thing you need to hear is somebody asking you for cash, particularly when the individual asking you for cash already has some huge cash,” Johnson mentioned. (RELATED: Oprah Winfrey Addresses Backlash After Asking Followers To Donate To Maui Aid Efforts)

“I’ve by no means launched a fund earlier than, however I’m a fast examine,” he wrote. “You at all times inform me the reality — good or dangerous — I’ll at all times respect and shield that straight discuss between us — You will have my phrase to at all times pay attention, study, develop and do higher.”