Watch: Leonardo DiCaprio Criticized for Ignoring Traditional Fiji Welcome

[Social Media]

 

Leonardo DiCaprio has come under fire after a viral video captured his seemingly indifferent reaction to a traditional farewell serenade at a hotel in Fiji. The Oscar-winning actor, aged 50, was seen leaving a hotel in Nadi, located on Fiji’s main island, when staff performed a cultural send-off to honor his departure.  

Leonardo DiCaprio blasted as ‘disrespectful’ for ignoring traditional welcome reception at Fiji hotel in viral video https://t.co/JdxdQK5ojB pic.twitter.com/Pu3seRDPjx

— New York Post (@nypost) November 26, 2024

 

Clad in black attire and sunglasses, DiCaprio was caught on camera appearing to take a phone call as he walked through the hotel foyer, where the performance was taking place. Without acknowledging the singers or the crowd, he dipped his cap slightly and quickly exited to a waiting black car. The brief interaction—or lack thereof—sparked backlash online, with some branding his behavior “disrespectful.”  

 

In the TikTok video, alongside the singing staff, numerous tourists stood in the foyer, filming the actor’s exit. Comments flooded in, criticizing the Hollywood star. “SHOULD’VE ACKNOWLEDGED THE FIJI WELCOMING PARTY,” one person wrote. Another noted, “He totally ignored the welcoming effort,” while others echoed similar sentiments, lamenting his failure to wave or say thank you.  

 

One commenter, using the Fijian term for family, expressed disappointment: “Don’t waste your energy my fiji whānau (family), he’s so disrespectful.” Speculation even arose that DiCaprio pretended to take the phone call as a tactic to avoid the crowd.  

 

However, not everyone condemned his actions. Some defended the actor, suggesting the staff should have considered his possible preference for privacy. “The staff need to use their common sense and realize A-list celebrities hate attention like this in public,” one commenter argued. Another added, “Well, at least they know not to do it again and respect his privacy.”  

 

A few supporters pointed out that DiCaprio likely sought a low-profile visit and deserved a degree of solitude. “He came for a private vacation,” one person noted. DiCaprio’s reasons for being in Fiji remain unclear, though the actor has previously collaborated with the island nation through his environmental initiatives.  

 

In 2017, his Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) provided a grant aimed at bringing renewable energy to rural Fijian communities. As a prominent climate change advocate, DiCaprio has consistently used his platform to raise awareness about global environmental issues. His impassioned 2016 Oscar acceptance speech for *The Revenant* underscored this dedication.  

 

“Making *The Revenant* was about man’s relationship to the natural world. A world that we collectively felt in 2015 as the hottest year in recorded history,” he remarked. “Our production needed to move to the southern tip of this planet just to be able to find snow. Climate change is real, it is happening right now. It is the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.”  

He concluded his speech with a reminder of the stakes: “Let us not take this planet for granted. I do not take tonight for granted.”  

 

While DiCaprio’s environmental efforts have earned widespread praise, this latest incident has sparked debate about the expectations placed on public figures and the balance between privacy and cultural respect. Whether an oversight or a conscious decision, the encounter highlights the complexities of celebrity interactions in culturally significant settings.

 

Based on a report by NYP 2024-11-28

 

 

 

[Cryingdick]

I can sort of understand this. I stayed at a pretty upscale hotel in India. When we checked in they did the whole red dot on the head ceremony thing. When I left I simply went out sand told them I checked out after to avoid anymore awkward moments. 

[thaibeachlovers]

Did he even know it was for him? He might have thought it was a normal every day thing and nothing special.

 

Anyway, what was the big deal? Leo isn't God Almighty come to planet earth. He is just another actor and a climate change hypocrite to boot.

[geisha]

I somehow think he didn’t réalise. The island people are known for singing .