Winfrey has assured fans that she opened up her private road in Hawaii "as soon as" she heard the tsunami warnings.

Even as the threat of a tsunami swamping Hawaii had passed on Wednesday, social media posts were still circulating claims that Oprah Winfrey had refused immediate access to a private road that would allow residents a shorter evacuation route.

Her spokesperson said the road on Winfrey’s property is owned by Haleakalā Ranch. Winfrey has an easement agreement with the ranch.