11 Oct – Dwayne Johnson wants you to know that he hears ya, and will improve himself over the controversy surrounding The People's Fund of Maui. The actor, along with Oprah Winfrey, were blasted last month by netizens over the creation of the fund, after the two asked global community members to pitch in to support USD 1,200 per month donations to victims of the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula last month.
Many, who saw the video, slammed the two for being two wealthy millionaire and billionaire asking monetary support from your average joe, when both of their wealth alone could fill up the fund.
In an Instagram video he posted recently, Johnson stated that the first round of support had already gone out to members of the community, and added that he does pay attention to all the criticisms against him. "When we first launched the fund, there was some backlash... I get it and I completely understand, and I could've been better - and next time I will be better. I understand money ain't falling out of the sky or grow on trees and there's a lot of people out there who lives on paycheck to paycheck and I get it and I know what's that like because I have lived from paycheck to paycheck," he said, referring to the meaning of his production company's name, Seven Bucks. He said that as someone who has such an experience, he understands how people asking for money would grind one's gears, especially when the person asking for money already has a lot of it. Johnson also stated that the best thing about the social media platform is that his fans are able to tell him what's appropriate and what's not. "You always tell me the truth - good or bad - I'll always appreciate and protect that straight talk between us - you have my word to always listen, learn, grow and do better. I've never launched a fund before - trust me, I'm a quick study and learn my lessons fast. I totally get it and I appreciate you," he added.