(Nov. 6, 2019 – Source: Getty Images North America)
*Leonardo DiCaprio has responded to Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro’s claims that the actor funded the environmentalists responsible for the wildfires in the Amazon.
“This Leonardo DiCaprio is a cool guy, right? Giving money to torch the Amazon,” the far-right politician said on Friday, according to Reuters.
Bolsonaro has no receipts to back up his claim, but he made similar allegations against DiCaprio on Thursday during a Facebook Live, claiming the World Wildlife Fund paid firefighters to take pictures of the fires in order to help with fundraising efforts.
“(WWF) makes a campaign against Brazil, it contacts Leonardo DiCaprio, he donates $500,000,” Bolsonaro said during the broadcast. “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.”
OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Chicago’s Head of Police (Eddie Johnson) FIRED by Mayor Lightfoot for Lying to Her – WATCH
On Saturday, the actor denied having made a donation to the WWF .
“At this time of crisis for the Amazon, I support the people of Brazil working to save their natural and cultural heritage,” DiCaprio wrote in a statement shared to Instagram. “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,” the Oscar winner added. “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.”
WWF-Brasil has also issued a statement denying DiCaprio’s donation, according to Deadline.
Meanwhile, cattle ranchers and farmers have been accused of intentionally setting the fires to clear the land for their own use.
“These forests are not burned by accident — they are made to clear land for cattle grazing and soy production,” Daniel Brindis, head of the forest campaign for Greenpeace, previously told PEOPLE. “The companies who profit off of these commodities are based in the U.S. We encourage consumers to demand companies not destroy the forests. There is enough land out there.”
Activists have noted that the surge of fires began when Bolsonaro took office in January.
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
