FACT CHECK: Did Oprah Winfrey Reveal Damaging Information About Tom Hanks?

Joseph Casieri | Fact Check Reporter

A post shared on social media purports that Oprah Winfrey has revealed damaging information on Tom Hanks’ role in the Maui fires.

Verdict: False

The claim is inaccurate. There is no evidence that this occurred.

Fact Check:

Lawyers representing the residents of Lahaina on Maui have claimed that the cable TV and telephone companies share the responsibility for the fires that occurred, The Associated Press reported. The lawyers have argued that the attachment of the cable and phone lines on the poles caused too much tension which allowed the poles to break in the wind.

The Facebook video, viewed over 1 million times, claims that Winfrey has revealed information about his involvement in the Maui wildfires. The video opens with Winfrey telling the camera she will donate money after the fires have stopped.

The caption reads, “Tom Hanks PANICS As Oprah Reveals His SHADY Role In Maui Fires.”

The claim is inaccurate. There is no credible news report that suggests that Winfrey has revealed any information about Hanks. The 9 min video does contain any evidence of the claims presented in the video. Winfrey has revealed no such information on her verified social media accounts.

The video also appeared on YouTube with a disclaimer in the video “Disclaimer: Content might be gossip, rumors, exaggerated or indirectly besides the truth. Viewer advised to do own research before forming their opinion. Content might be opinionated.” (RELATED: IS Robert J. O’Neill The Navy Seal Who Killed Osama Bin Laden?)

This is not the first time misinformation regarding this year’s hurricane season has been shared online. Check Your Fact debunked a photo allegedly showing a flood inside an apartment complex during Hurricane Hilary.

Joseph Casieri

Fact Check Reporter

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