Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his environmental advocacy, has found himself at the centre of controversy after arriving in Mexico on a private jet amidst the raging wildfires in Los Angeles. The actor, who is an outspoken climate change advocate, faced criticism for his mode of travel as the fires continue to devastate communities, leaving over 100,000 people evacuated.
DiCaprio, 50, was accompanied by his model girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, his father George DiCaprio, and his father's wife, Peggy Ann Farrar, on the trip to Cabo San Lucas. The timing of the trip raised questions, given the ongoing disaster back in California, where several A-list celebrities, including Tom Hanks and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, have lost their homes.
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While the actor’s actions have sparked criticism, it’s important to note that DiCaprio is a long-time environmental advocate. As the founder of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, he has donated over USD 80 million in grants aimed at combating climate change and promoting sustainability. This commitment to environmental causes has earned him recognition, but his private jet use during a natural disaster has left some questioning his actions.
Death toll climbs
Meanwhile, the death toll from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles climbed to 24 on Sunday, as authorities warned of fierce winds expected to intensify the already raging flames. For the sixth consecutive day, the fires have torn through the second-largest city in the United States, turning entire neighborhoods into charred debris and leaving thousands of people homeless.
While heroic firefighting efforts have managed to contain the spread of the Palisades Fire, which was threatening the affluent Brentwood area and the densely populated San Fernando Valley, the situation remains dire. Experts predict conditions will worsen significantly in the coming days, with "extreme fire behavior and life-threatening circumstances."
Meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld of the National Weather Service cautioned that winds reaching up to 70 miles (110 kilometers) per hour could create a "particularly dangerous situation" starting Tuesday. These high winds have the potential to spread the flames, carrying embers from existing fire zones into previously unaffected areas, according to firefighters.
With Agency inputs
Published: 13 Jan 2025, 01:50 pm IST
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