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Leonardo DiCaprio, long known for his environmental activism, has found himself in hot water with critics who call his recent actions hypocritical. The actor, currently filming a nature documentary, was photographed cleaning up ocean plastic with a group of children off the coast of Formentera, Spain. While the scene seemed to be a teachable moment for the documentary, which reportedly focuses on endangered seagrass, some internet users questioned DiCaprio’s commitment to the environment, citing his continued use of yachts and private jets.
DiCaprio, who also produced the climate change documentary Before the Flood, has a history of advocating for environmental causes. However, his frequent use of high-polluting transportation has drawn criticism.
In 2014, he reportedly took 20 trips by private jet, and he continues to be photographed using private planes and luxury yachts. He was even criticized last year for reportedly leaving Los Angeles during wildfires via private jet.
The recent photos of DiCaprio cleaning the ocean sparked a debate on social media. Some users praised his efforts, while others labeled him a hypocrite.
Comments ranged from sarcastic inquiries about his mode of transportation to Spain, to hopes that he engages in similar clean-up efforts privately. While some defended him as an activist setting a positive example for younger generations, others questioned whether the ocean clean-up was simply for show, sarcastically asking, “Are they cleaning up the pollution that his yachts cause?”
The incident highlights the complexities of celebrity activism and the scrutiny faced by those who advocate for change while maintaining a lifestyle perceived as contradictory.