Leonardo DiCaprio Releases Statement After Brazilian President Accuses Him of Funding Rainforest Fires

Leonardo DiCaprio is speaking out after the president of Brazil accused him of funding the Amazon rainforest wildfires.

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro made a meritless claim about Leo after people on social media accused the World Wildlife Federation of intentionally setting wildfires in the Amazon in order to procure donations. Reports claim that Leo gave $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,” the WWF said in a statement.

Now, Leo is speaking out on the matter as well.

“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,” Leo wrote in his statement. “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,” he concluded.