Before now, I never really thought about Leonardo DiCaprio’s ethnic background? I always assumed, given his name, that his family was at least partially Italian-American. According to his Wiki page – God knows – Leo’s father is of Italian and German descent, his maternal grandfather was German, and his maternal grandmother was a Ukrainian-born German. Leo has referred to himself as “half-Russian.” All that says to me is that he’s a typical American. There were rumors going around this week that Leo had pledged $10 million to Ukrainian fighters because (this was the rumor) Leo’s grandmother was Ukrainian, and he feels some kind of ethnic kinship with Ukrainians. Leo’s people have denied that part of the story, although Leo has made some significant donations:
Leonardo DiCaprio is supporting Ukraine. The Oscar winner, 47, donated to several humanitarian groups that are helping Ukrainians affected by Russia’s attack on the neighboring European country, which began when Russian forces launched a large-scale invasion on Feb. 24 — the first major land conflict in Europe in decades.
Previous reports claiming the actor had donated $10 million for Ukrainian military use and that DiCaprio has family ties to Ukraine are not true.
“Leo had privately made several donations to humanitarian groups — CARE, IRC, UNHCR and Save the Children. All directed at Ukraine,” a source close to the Don’t Look Up actor tells PEOPLE. “He had been watching things unfold and wanted to support Ukraine the best he could. He will continue to support the humanitarian groups on the ground which are helping the people of Ukraine.”
“He stands with Ukraine and will continue to support,” the source adds.
I’m fine with Leo correcting the record. He probably gave significantly to those organizations, but nowhere near $10 million, and he didn’t donate to the Ukrainian army. I guess he also wanted to ensure that his previous comments about being “half-Russian” didn’t come back to bite him on the ass, and he wants to leave no uncertainty that he is on Team Ukraine.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Backgrid.
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- 92nd Academy Awards (Oscars) Nominees Luncheon held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland in Los Angeles, California.,Image: 495142265, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Avalon
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- (200210) — LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10, 2020 () — Leonardo DiCaprio arrives for the red carpet of the 92nd Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the United States, Feb. 9, 2020. (/Li Ying),Image: 563480130, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WORLD RIGHTS excluding China – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Avalon.red – sales@avalon.red London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles: +1 (310) 822 0419 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251, Model Release: no, Credit line: Li Ying / Avalon
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- MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, USA – DECEMBER 05: Actor Leonardo DiCaprio arrives at the World Premiere of Netflix’s ‘Don’t Look Up’ held at Jazz at Lincoln Center on December 5, 2021 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States.,Image: 646576406, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Pictured: Leonardo DiCaprio, Credit line: Jordan Hinton / Image Press Agency / Avalon
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- MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, USA – DECEMBER 05: Actor Leonardo DiCaprio arrives at the World Premiere of Netflix’s ‘Don’t Look Up’ held at Jazz at Lincoln Center on December 5, 2021 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States.,Image: 646576414, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Pictured: Leonardo DiCaprio, Credit line: Jordan Hinton / Image Press Agency / Avalon
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- New York, NY – Leonardo DiCaprio and Camila Morrone are all smiles as they spend a romantic afternoon in Manhattan’s Downtown area. The hot couple were all bundled up for the chilly weather as they went to see art galleries and later had a bite to eat at a Downtown pastry deli. Pictured: Leonardo DiCaprio BACKGRID USA 29 FEBRUARY 2020 BYLINE MUST READ: BrosNYC / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
He’s still a tool.
Yes. Yes he is.
Was that really a denial, though? They took extra care not to mention the army at all.