Dicaprio accused of bankrolling wildfires
SAO PAULO: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro claimed on Friday that Hollywood star Leonardo Dicaprio financed wildfires being set in the Amazon rainforest, without presenting any evidence, the right-wing leader’s latest broadside in casting blame over forest fires that have generated international concern.
Bolsonaro appeared to be commenting on social media posts claiming that environmental body the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) had paid for images taken by volunteer firefighters that it then supposedly used to solicit donations, including a $500,000 contribution from Dicaprio.
The WWF has denied receiving a donation from Dicaprio or obtaining photos from the firefighters.
“This Leonardo Dicaprio is a cool guy, right? Giving money to torch the Amazon,” Bolsonaro said on Friday during brief remarks in front of the presidential residence.
Dicaprio denied having donated to the WWF. In a statement, the actor lauded “the people of Brazil working to save their natural and cultural heritage”. But, he said, “While worthy of support, we did not fund the organizations targeted.”
Dicaprio has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of combating climate change, speaking frequently about environmental issues including the Amazon forest fires.