RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Without offering proof, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday said actor Leonardo DiCaprio had funded nonprofit groups that he claimed are partly responsible for fires in the Amazon this year.
Bolsonaro’s remarks about the actor were part of a wider government campaign against environmental nonprofit groups operating in Brazil.
“DiCaprio is a cool guy, isn’t he? Giving money to set the Amazon on fire,” the president said to supporters in Brasilia.
FILE – In this Nov. 6, 2016 file photo, Leonardo DiCaprio accepts the Hollywood documentary award for “Before the Flood” at the 20th annual Hollywood Film Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. DiCaprio announced Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, that his eco-focused foundation has given more than $20 million in fresh grants to more than 100 organizations around the world. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) DiCaprio’s environmental organization Earth Alliance has pledged $5 million to help protect the Amazon after a surge in fires destroyed large parts of the rainforest in July and August.
The actor’s press representative did not immediately comment on Bolsonaro’s remarks.