AMERICAS

Why does Bolsonaro accuse Leonardo DiCaprio?

The president of Brazil says that the renowned Hollywood actor is responsible for financing the devastating fires in the Amazon

Jair Bolsonaro and Leonardo DiCaprio

Jair Bolsonaro and Leonardo DiCaprio. / Photos: Reuters, flickr.com/SeeLi

LatinAmerican Post | Marcela Peñaloza

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Leer en español: ¿Por qué Bolsonaro acusa a Leonardo DiCaprio?

Fires in the Amazon have aroused the anger and concern of thousands of people around the world. Many have not hesitated to blame Jair Bolsonaro, president of Brazil, as one of those responsible for the conflagrations. His "progressive" policies on the interests of the lungs of the world and the communities that live there have led to environmental groups pointing him as the culprit of the devastation.

However, Bolsonaro also has culprits to hold responsible and his last target was Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and WWF.

Jair Bolsonaro's statements came in a live broadcast in which, without providing any evidence, he accused the WWF NGO and the actor of burning the jungle as part of a campaign against Brazil.

Bolsonaro said “What did the NGO do? What is the easiest? Fire the forest. Take photos, make a video. (WWF) campaigns against Brazil, it gets in touch with Leonardo DiCaprio, and he donates US $ 500,000.” Referring to the actor, the Brazilian president said "this Leonardo DiCaprio is a great guy, right? Gives money to set the Amazon on fire", "Leonardo DiCaprio, you are contributing to the fires in the Amazon."

Previously, Bolsonaro had already accused other NGOs of instigating the start of the fires. According to the BBC, the president argues that NGOs planned the fires to receive donations and thus obtain funds.

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What did Leonardo DiCaprio say?

In addition to his talent as an actor, DiCaprio is known worldwide as an activist and protector of the environment. He is currently the director of his Earth Alliance foundation and it was in August, while the conflagrations were presented, when DiCaprio announced that he would donate US$ 5 million to support the work of those struggling to put out the fires.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.

Una publicación compartida por Leonardo DiCaprio (@leonardodicaprio) el

 

After the unusual statements of Bolsonaro, the actor responded through a press release published on his social networks, that “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.”

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Despite Bolsonaro's lack of evidence, the actor also said that “I remain committed to Brazilian indigenous communities, local governments, scientists, educators and the general public who are working tirelessly to secure the Amazon for the future of cough Brazilians".

For its part, WWF explained that it has not received donations from DiCaprio.

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