Stevie Nicks ignites outrage with 'tone-deaf' Hawaii post
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It looks like a scene out of a disaster movie–96 people are dead, the wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes, and the island of Maui, a vibrant tourist destination before, is now a smoke-filled ghost town.
This happened over the weekend on the Hawaiian island, a tragedy that struck the heart of Fleetwood Mac legend Stevie Nicks.
So when Nicks took to social media to share her feelings on the matter, it should have generated sympathy and understanding–but instead, it ignited a wave of outrage.
The ‘Landslide’ singer recently posted a note to social media with the caption 'Lahaina is not gone—It is just away'.
In her post, Nicks detailed her personal connection to the town. 'This island, in so many ways, defines Fleetwood Mac and me and our families,' she said.
'My truth was that I wanted a house here just so I could spend time in Lahaina walking the streets, visiting the art galleries–sitting on the rock wall–most all the opals I wear on my fingers came from a store on Front Street. I hope the sweet lady who owned that store was able to grab all her opals and run. I hope she made it out.'
She then announced that her young niece, her husband and their little boy had been visiting the island on holiday before the disaster. They were able to go home after spending one and a half days on the island.
‘Jessi and her husband Alec are devastated. Now that they’re back in L.A. and seeing the news coverage–they are totally freaked out. They escaped a bullet,’ Nicks continued in her post.
Her 1.4 million social media followers were not pleased–many turned on the star for caring more about her niece’s holiday than the 96 people who had died in the fires.
‘Oh Stevie, love you, but Native Hawaiians lost their homes for generations to come, your niece, at best, holiday was ruined, this is not what you should’ve posted’, one fan wrote.
Another person criticised the social media post, saying in the comments, ‘What a pointless privileged tone deaf and self-centred post’.
Others questioned why Nicks hadn’t included any links or information to direct her followers to donate to the fire survivors.
‘What on earth is this? Shame on you. Where is your pledge to send money to the native Hawaiians? Where is the call to action to support? Where is the mention of the dead? The missing. You’ve been living as an uninvited guest on native land. I am STUNNED by the blind privilege of this post’, another user expressed in the comments section.
Despite the backlash, some of Nicks' fans defended her, saying she was as entitled as anyone with ties to the island to share her story.
‘Everyone hating on this post–you sound st****. She’s just sharing her own heartbreak over the entire situation, which is 100% valid even if she’s a celebrity. Relax’, a fan commented.
Other celebrities such as Hawaii-born Jason Momoa and media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who also owns a house on Maui, have also spoken up in the wake of the disaster–with both offering help in the form of donating supplies and comforting locals.
Here at the SDC, our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy in Maui. We hope the island recovers soon and Maui is once again a safe spot for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
What do you think of this story, members? Do you also believe that her post is tone-deaf? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Maui, Hawaii, was struck by deadly wildfires last weekend. Credit: Samaritan's Purse/Facebook
This happened over the weekend on the Hawaiian island, a tragedy that struck the heart of Fleetwood Mac legend Stevie Nicks.
So when Nicks took to social media to share her feelings on the matter, it should have generated sympathy and understanding–but instead, it ignited a wave of outrage.
The ‘Landslide’ singer recently posted a note to social media with the caption 'Lahaina is not gone—It is just away'.
In her post, Nicks detailed her personal connection to the town. 'This island, in so many ways, defines Fleetwood Mac and me and our families,' she said.
'My truth was that I wanted a house here just so I could spend time in Lahaina walking the streets, visiting the art galleries–sitting on the rock wall–most all the opals I wear on my fingers came from a store on Front Street. I hope the sweet lady who owned that store was able to grab all her opals and run. I hope she made it out.'
She then announced that her young niece, her husband and their little boy had been visiting the island on holiday before the disaster. They were able to go home after spending one and a half days on the island.
‘Jessi and her husband Alec are devastated. Now that they’re back in L.A. and seeing the news coverage–they are totally freaked out. They escaped a bullet,’ Nicks continued in her post.
Her 1.4 million social media followers were not pleased–many turned on the star for caring more about her niece’s holiday than the 96 people who had died in the fires.
‘Oh Stevie, love you, but Native Hawaiians lost their homes for generations to come, your niece, at best, holiday was ruined, this is not what you should’ve posted’, one fan wrote.
Another person criticised the social media post, saying in the comments, ‘What a pointless privileged tone deaf and self-centred post’.
Others questioned why Nicks hadn’t included any links or information to direct her followers to donate to the fire survivors.
‘What on earth is this? Shame on you. Where is your pledge to send money to the native Hawaiians? Where is the call to action to support? Where is the mention of the dead? The missing. You’ve been living as an uninvited guest on native land. I am STUNNED by the blind privilege of this post’, another user expressed in the comments section.
Despite the backlash, some of Nicks' fans defended her, saying she was as entitled as anyone with ties to the island to share her story.
‘Everyone hating on this post–you sound st****. She’s just sharing her own heartbreak over the entire situation, which is 100% valid even if she’s a celebrity. Relax’, a fan commented.
Other celebrities such as Hawaii-born Jason Momoa and media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who also owns a house on Maui, have also spoken up in the wake of the disaster–with both offering help in the form of donating supplies and comforting locals.
Here at the SDC, our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy in Maui. We hope the island recovers soon and Maui is once again a safe spot for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
What do you think of this story, members? Do you also believe that her post is tone-deaf? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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