Leonardo DiCaprio slammed as a ‘hypocrite’ after fleeing LA fires on private jet: ‘Nothing more than a scammer!’
Leonardo DiCaprio has faced fierce criticism after fleeing the devastating Los Angeles wildfires by private jet, with social media users branding the actor a hypocrite.
The Oscar winner, 50, known for his environmental activism, was spotted arriving in Mexico with his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, 26, after leaving the crisis-stricken city.
The controversy erupted as multiple celebrities, including veteran 87-year-old Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, have lost their homes in the blazes.
Critics took aim at DiCaprio’s decision to use carbon-intensive private transport whilst positioning himself as a climate campaigner.
DiCaprio touched down in Cabo San Lucas last Friday, accompanied by his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, his father George DiCaprio and George’s wife Peggy Ann Farrar.
The group was photographed disembarking their private aircraft, having left behind the chaotic scenes unfolding in Los Angeles.
The contrast between DiCaprio’s actions and his environmental advocacy is particularly stark given his foundation’s work since 1998.
Through the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, he has provided more than £80million in grants focused on climate change initiatives.
According to site Airport Technology, private jets produce five to 14 times more pollution per passenger than commercial flights.
Social media users were quick to condemn DiCaprio’s actions, with one X user branding him “nothing more than a scammer”.
“Leonardo DiCaprio. First Rate Hypocrite”, one slammed.
“The ‘climate warriors’ don’t give a damn about the real climate. They’re all frauds…” another critic posted.
“Really? Leonardo, put your money where your mouth is man”, demanded another dumbfounded social media user.
Elsewhere, actress Eva Longoria has pledged $1m to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
The donation, part of her $50m Bezos Courage and Civility Award, will aid the Latino Community Foundation and California Community Foundations wildlife recovery fund.
Longoria, who temporarily evacuated her own home, has also donated clothes and emptied her pantry to help those affected.
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“A lot of people weren’t so lucky,” the Desperate Housewives star said in an Instagram video.
Amidst reaction to the ongoing disaster, actor Mel Gibson, 69, sparked controversy after suggesting the blazes may been started deliberately while appearing on Fox News.
“It’s an insane thing to think,” Gibson told host Laura Ingraham. “But one begins to ponder whether or not there is a purpose in mind. What could it be? Do they want the state empty? I dunno.”