Brazil president claims DiCaprio financed Amazon fires

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro claimed on Friday that Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio financed fires 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 postings claiming that environmental organisation World Wildlife Fund (WWF) had paid for images taken by volunteer firefighters that it then supposedly used to solicit donations, including a US$500,000 contribution from DiCaprio.

WWF 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 in front of the presidential residence.

DiCaprio denied having donated to WWF. In a statement, the actor lauded “the people of Brazil working to save their natural and cultural heritage”, but said “while worthy of support, we did not fund the organisations targeted”.

Four members of non-governmental organisation Alter do Chão Fire Brigade were arrested on Tuesday with police accusing them of setting fires to document them and drum up more donations. They were released on Thursday on a judge’s order.

Politicians and other NGOs criticised the arrest, saying it was part of a concerted attempt by Bolsonaro’s government to harass environmental groups.