The purpose of the wall is to protect Oprah's property from potential flooding damage, but there are concerns that it could reroute flood waters to neighboring houses, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan.
Additionally, there are worries that the wall itself could disintegrate in the event of a flood and cause further damage.
Montecito, while an upscale residential area, is known for its rainstorms, and in 2018, mudslides from the surrounding Santa Ynez mountains resulted in the deaths of 23 people and caused over 150 hospitalizations.
A Carpinteria-based company has applied for a permit to construct the wall at Oprah's address, but it remains to be seen what impact it will have on the surrounding properties.
