Brazil's president claims Leonardo DiCaprio paid for Amazon fires

JOAO LAET / AFP

Without offering any proof, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has accused Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio of financing deliberate fires in the Amazon rainforest.

"This Leonardo DiCaprio’s a cool guy, isn’t he? Giving money for the Amazon to be torched," Bolsonaro told supporters on Friday.

DiCaprio has pledged $5 million to protect the rainforest, and Bolsonaro claimed that nonprofit groups are setting the fires to get money.

This comes after four volunteer firefighters were arrested and charged with setting fires, but later released following public outrage.

More from International News

On Virgin Radio today

Trending on Virgin Radio

  • Talent Takeover

    For one morning only, you could host the UAE’s biggest radio show, The Kris Fade Show - live across the nation.

  • Ed Sheeran - UAE EXCLUSIVE

    Latest album, what happened with BTS, raising a baby girl, eye surgery, and more!

  • Bassem Youssef

    One of the most talked about comedians in the world takes over The Kris Fade Show. Watch the full interview here...

  • If Craig David had a verse on Azizam

    The legendary Craig David joins The Kris Fade Show for an unforgettable chat!