Brazilian President Blames Leonardo DiCaprio For Causing Amazon Rainforest Wildfires, Actor Issues Response

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On Friday, President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro accused actor and activist Leonardo DiCaprio of financing the recent spate of Amazon rainforest wildfires. He did so while presenting zero evidence to support his claims.

Bolsonaro’s accusation came after his son Eduardo claimed on Twitter on Thursday that DiCaprio donated $300,000 to “the NGO that set fire to the Amazon.” He also claimed the World Wildlfe Federation (WWF) paid the NGO for photos taken by volunteer firefighters supposedly to be used for soliciting donations.

“This Leonardo DiCaprio is a cool guy, right? Giving money to torch the Amazon,” the Brazilian President said on Friday.

President Bolsonaro also stated during a live webcast, “So what did the NGO do? What is the easiest thing? Set fire to the forest. Take pictures, make a video. (WWF) makes a campaign against Brazil, it contacts Leonardo DiCaprio, he donates $500,000. A part of that went to the people that were setting fires. Leonardo DiCaprio, you are contributing to the fire in the Amazon, that won’t do.”

Both the WWF and DiCaprio have denied the Brazlian President’s accusations.

“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,” stated the World Wildlife Federation on their website.

DiCaprio, who had previously pledged $5 million to help protect Brazil’s rainforests, also issued a statement, writing on Instagram, “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.

“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.”

On Tuesday, four volunteer firefighters of the Alter do Chão Fire Brigade were arrested, reportedly without evidence, of setting fire to the forest in order to increase donations for an international NGO. Following public outcry, they were released by a judge on Thursday.