Leonardo DiCaprio Hits Back At Brazilian President's Claim That He Funded Amazon Fires

Leonardo DiCaprio, the environmentalist and philanthropist, was one of the first celebrities who expressed concern over the surging Amazon Rainforest fires. Not only that, he even donated $5 million dollars towards efforts to preserve the rain-forest and combat fire.

However, a couple of days ago, the Hollywood actor was accused by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for funding the NGO that he felt was responsible for the devastating forest fires in the Amazon.?

He didn't however had any evidence to back his claim. "DiCaprio is a cool guy, isn't he? Giving money to set the Amazon on fire," President Bolsonaro said, while speaking to supporters in Brasilia.

He made a similar claim in a Facebook live broadcast. "Leonardo DiCaprio, dammit, you're collaborating with the burning of the Amazon," Bolsonaro accused, claiming that the actor is part of an international campaign against Brazil.?

Responding to the same, DiCaprio said on his Instagram page, "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,” he added.

Jair Bolsonaro in the past was criticised for not taking enough measures to protect Amazon rainforests. He even rejected a 20-million dollar aid offered during the G7 summit in France towards the cause, earlier this year.?