Stevie Nicks Labeled 'Self-Centered' Over Response to Maui Wildfires
Stevie Nicks is catching heat from fans online after making an Instagram post concerning the recent Maui wildfires—somewhat different from that of her bandmate, Mick Fleetwood.
The Fleetwood Mac singer took to the social media platform on Sunday, August 13, with a lengthy typed-up note, explaining her grief over the natural disaster, which has, so far, claimed the lives of at least 99 people, according to an August 15 CNN report.
But it wasn't the music artist addressing the situation that internet users took issue with, it was the way in which she, in the opinion of some, took a "self-centered" and "privileged" stance, making it more about herself and a supposed vacation that some of her family members missed out on due to the ensuing tragic chaos.
“As I am sure you have heard – the island, Maui, where I own a house I have been staying at since the 80s – and the small village, city, most magical place on earth, Lahaina, burned to the ground over the last few days,” Nicks' message opened.
She went on to reveal, “And to make the situation worse my young niece, her husband, and their little boy had just arrived for a very needed vacation before she started up her school year (on her way to becoming a psychologist) for 10 days. They had one and a half days of fun and then — the fire started.”
The "Leather and Lace" artist also explained that her family experienced a power outage and loss of cellular phone access.
“There was no way to know that this amazing town that had survived so much for so long would burn down and disappear into the history books, leaving so much sadness, destruction, and death behind it in its wake. This island, in so many ways, defines Fleetwood Mac and me and our families,” she lamented.
The 75-year-old continued to recall: “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," adding, "I hope the sweet lady who owned that store was able to grab all her opals and run. I hope she made it out.”
After sharing the statement, the singer received backlash from fans concerning how she went about addressing the tragedy, which has caused much deeper, permanent strife for several families than a ruined vacation or damaged property.
“I really like you Stevie, but this is coming off as so self-centered,” one Instagram user said, adding, “As a person with money and influence you could direct people to resources for native Hawaiians’ aid, but instead you focused on your family’s vacation, which is a huge privilege.”
“Oh Stevie, love you but Native Hawaiians lost their homes for generations to come,” another wrote. “Your niece, at best, vacation was ruined, this is not what you should’ve posted.”
Related: Maui Wildfires: Residents Share Footage as 'Apocalyptic Scene' Unfolds
However, though many took issue with her stance on the subject, several people also defended her from the online criticism, pleading for "grace" on her behalf.
“Just because she’s famous doesn’t mean she can’t grieve for her home; it’s not being selfish,” someone else suggested. “Sounds like she was even worried for her niece, which is a normal reaction. Celebrities don’t owe people anything.”
The wildfires have been called the deadliest in more than 100 years, wreaking havoc on the small island and displacing hundreds of residents from their homes.
Hawaii-natives like Jason Momoa and Dwayne Johnson have since spoken out on the tragedy, namely asking that tourists and visitors stay away from the destination during this time.
Next: How To Help Hawaii Wildfire Survivors—10 Impactful Organizations Taking Donations Right Now
