The relationship between Leonardo DiCaprio and a Malaysian businessman who is currently at large and wanted by international law enforcement in connection with a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme has come under new scrutiny. The actor claimed he delegated vetting even though he had previously accepted presents from Jho Low, an illicit financier, including a first edition of “The Great Gatsby” and Marlon Brando’s Oscar.
Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, with a career spanning over three decades. He has starred in several blockbuster movies and has received numerous accolades for his performances, including an Academy Award for Best Actor. However, in recent years, the actor has found himself in the midst of controversy due to his business ties with a wanted international fraudster.
In 2013, DiCaprio launched a foundation called the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF), which is dedicated to supporting environmental causes. The foundation has raised millions of dollars and has supported several projects aimed at protecting the planet. However, in 2016, it was revealed that the LDF had received donations from a Malaysian businessman named Jho Low, who was wanted in connection with a multibillion-dollar fraud scandal.
Jho Low was the mastermind behind the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, which saw billions of dollars siphoned off from a Malaysian government fund. Low had allegedly used the stolen funds to finance his lavish lifestyle, which included buying expensive art pieces, luxury real estate, and partying with celebrities.
Low had donated at least $1 million to the LDF in 2013 and had also attended a fundraising event hosted by DiCaprio in St. Tropez that same year. The event had raised $45 million for the foundation, with Low reportedly making a significant contribution.
The revelations of DiCaprio’s ties to Low caused a media storm, with several news outlets criticizing the actor for his association with a wanted fraudster. The actor was quick to distance himself from Low, with his spokesperson stating that he had not been aware of Low’s alleged wrongdoing and that the donations to the LDF had been made in good faith.
However, the controversy surrounding DiCaprio’s business ties with Low did not end there. In 2018, it was reported that DiCaprio had been subpoenaed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of an investigation into the 1MDB scandal. The DOJ had alleged that Low had used some of the stolen funds to finance the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street,” which was produced by DiCaprio’s production company, Appian Way.
DiCaprio had reportedly cooperated with the DOJ and had handed over all relevant documents and communications related to his business dealings with Low. He had also voluntarily returned several artworks and an Oscar that had been gifted to him by Low as part of his effort to distance himself from the fraudster.
The controversy surrounding DiCaprio’s ties to Low highlights the challenges that celebrities and public figures face when it comes to their business dealings. While they may have the best intentions and may genuinely believe that they are making a positive impact, they need to be vigilant about the source of their funding and the people they associate with.
In conclusion, Leonardo DiCaprio’s business ties with Jho Low, a wanted international fraudster, has caused a lot of controversy and scrutiny over the past few years. While the actor has maintained that he had no knowledge of Low’s alleged wrongdoing and had accepted the donations in good faith, he had cooperated with the authorities and had taken steps to distance himself from Low. This controversy serves as a reminder that public figures need to be careful about their business dealings and the people they associate with, as their actions can have far-reaching consequences.
