Renowned Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio is likely to encounter criticism after he praised Brazilian president Lula da Silva on his Instagram stories. Sharing an article that highlighted a significant decrease in deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon since Lula da Silva’s assumption of office in June 2023, Leo’s post is expected to provoke reactions from Lula’s opponents.
This isn’t the first time Leonardo DiCaprio has faced scrutiny for his stance on Brazilian politics. Last year, former president Jair Bolsonaro, known for his far-right policies and criticized by environmentalist groups, had criticized Leo over a social media post urging Brazilian youth to register to vote in the country’s elections, suggesting they vote against the far-right president.
As a renowned environmentalist, DiCaprio has been vocal about Brazil’s role in climate change, emphasizing the significance of preserving the Amazon and other critical ecosystems. However, his involvement in Brazilian politics and endorsement of Lula’s policies may spark further controversy and heated discussions.
Given Brazil’s polarized political landscape and the sensitivity surrounding environmental issues, Leonardo DiCaprio’s public support for Lula da Silva may elicit mixed reactions from the Brazilian populace and beyond.