Actor and outspoken climate activist Leonardo DiCaprio faced backlash after fleeing Los Angeles wildfires on a private jet. The fires, which began on January 7, have devastated California, destroying 10,000 buildings, killing at least 24 people, and forcing 150,000 residents to evacuate.
DiCaprio, 50, was seen arriving in Los Cabos, Mexico, alongside rumored girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, his father George, and George’s wife Peggy Ann Farrar. The sighting sparked criticism of DiCaprio’s use of a private plane, which is significantly more polluting per passenger than commercial flights, according to Airport Technology.
Critics, including Breitbart Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow, highlighted the perceived hypocrisy. On The Alex Marlow Show, Marlow remarked, “Leonardo DiCaprio has gone around the world lecturing people on climate change… It just shows you these people weren’t serious about preparing for whatever climate disaster might take place.”
DiCaprio has long positioned himself as a global advocate for addressing climate change. In 2015, he pledged to divest from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy, stating that climate change “is severely impacting the health of our planet and all of its inhabitants.” In 2016, he described climate change as “the most existential human crisis that the world has ever known.”
The actor’s decision to travel by private jet, even as he calls for reductions in fossil fuel reliance, underscores ongoing debates over celebrity activism. DiCaprio’s environmental commitments, while substantial in terms of advocacy and financial support, have been overshadowed by actions critics deem inconsistent with his message.
This criticism follows reports of other celebrities affected by the wildfires, including James Woods, Mel Gibson, and Paris Hilton. Many residents have stayed to protect their homes, while firefighters and emergency personnel continue battling the fires.
The fires serve as a reminder of the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events, often linked to climate change, as California residents grapple with displacement and loss.
