Leonardo DiCaprio Responds To Brazilian President's Rainforest Accusations

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Leonardo DiCaprio is speaking out after Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro, accused him of funding the devastating Amazon rainforest fires. As Reuters reports, Bolsonaro claimed "that the environmental organization the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) had paid for images taken by volunteer firefighters that it then used to solicit donations, including a $500,000 contribution from DiCaprio."

The actor took to social media to deny accusations.

"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," DiCaprio wrote on Instagram. "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 continued. "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."

The WWF also released a statement on their Brazilian website, denying that they received a donation from DiCaprio or obtained photographs from firefighters.

Read DiCaprio's full stateme below.

Photo: Getty Images


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