Leonardo DiCaprio lauded for pledging $1M to wildfire relief after backlash for fleeing LA on private jet
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Leonardo DiCaprio announced that he is making a $1 million donation toward operations helping firefighters battle the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires and victims of the devastating calamity.
The 'Inception' actor listed a series of organizations on his Instagram Stories that his donation was earmarked toward, according to the Daily Mail. He is the latest in a list of celebrities who have made contributions toward LA wildfire relief efforts.
Leonardo DiCaprio commits $1M to support LA wildfire relief efforts
Leonardo DiCaprio wrote on his Instagram Story, "The Los Angeles wildfires are devastating our city. I am committing $1 million in partnership with @rewild's Rapid Response Program to support both urgent needs and post-fire recovery efforts."
He added, "Initial aid will immediately benefit the LA Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation, Pasadena Humane Society and SoCal Fire Fund – organizations providing much-needed resources to our first responders and firefighters, and the people, animals and communities who need it most."
DiCaprio also shared links for his followers on the platform to donate to organizations such as the LAFD Wildfire Emergency Fund and the California Fire Foundation.
Referring to his environmental organization 'Re:wild', DiCaprio wrote that its "Rapid Response Program is uniquely positioned to respond to environmental disasters and emergencies."
Other celebs who have stepped up with pledges amid the destruction include Beyonce, who donated $2.5 million to help people impacted by the Eaton Fire, while Jamie Lee Curtis and Eva Longoria contributed $1 million each amid the blazes, as per the outlet.
Leonardo DiCaprio faced backlash for fleeing wildfires on private jet
The 'Titanic' actor faced heat after it was reported that he fled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on January 10 on a private jet with his girlfriend, model Vittoria Ceretti, as the fires continued to ravage Southern California.
His action led many to question his commitment to environmental sustainability.
DiCaprio is a known environmental activist. He founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998, which has contributed more than $80 million to promote sustainability and address climate change.
Private jets are significantly more polluting than commercial flights, emitting five to 14 times more pollutants per passenger, as per Airport Technology.
Internet lauds Leonardo DiCaprio for his $1M pledge toward LA wildfire relief efforts
Netizens praised the Hollywood actor as he pledged to donate $1 million toward operations helping firefighters battle the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires and victims to bounce back.
Some online comments read, "At least he is making a sizeable donation instead of just showing up for a photo op," and "Thank you for all you do for climate change Leo. You are a real warrior."
A person stated, "That's very good of him," whereas one mentioned, "It's nice that he donated this amount of money after many articles and people on social media described him as a fake climate warrior."
"That’s the way to do it," one more wrote, while another person commented, "Good for Leo and the recipients. I remember not long ago he also donated another million dollars to a worthy cause."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
