Leonardo DiCaprio has released a statement in his defence after the President of Brazil accused him of funding the rainforest wildfires in the Amazon.
Jair Bolsonaro made a baseless claim about the actor after people of social media started accusing the World Wildlife Federation of intentionally setting wildfires in the Amazon in order to procure donations. DiCaprio allegedly donated $500,000 to the charity.
"WWF Brazil rejects the attacks on its partners and the lies involving its name, including a series of lie-based social media attacks such as the purchase of photographs linked to a donation from the actor Leonardo DiCaprio," WWF asserted in a statement.
And now, the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actor, has spoken out on the matter too.
This woman risked her life to safe a koala from a wildfire:“At this time of crisis for the Amazon, I support the people of Brazil working to save their natural and cultural heritage. They are an amazing, moving and humbling example of the commitment and passion needed to save the environment,” he wrote in the statement posted to to his Instagram account. "The future of these irreplaceable ecosystems is at stake and I am proud to stand with the groups protecting them. While worthy of support, we did not fund the organizations targeted.”
“I remain committed to supporting the Brazilian indigenous communities, local governments, scientists, educators and general public who are working tirelessly to secure the Amazon for the future of all Brazilians."
Bolsonaro told his supporters on Friday that “DiCaprio is a cool guy, isn’t he? Giving money to set the Amazon on fire.”