HOME / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Hamill among celebs rejoicing Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva win in Brazil prez polls

Many actors, including Jason Momoa, have publicly backed Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva after expressing concerns about the destruction of the Amazon

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL: Former president and leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has defeated incumbent far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil’s general election and has become the country's President again. However, it was not just Brazilians who were celebrating. Leonardo DiCaprio was among the many Hollywood celebrities who were ecstatic over the unexpected outcome of the Brazilian presidential election. DiCaprio tweeted, "The outcome of the Brazilian election presents an opportunity to change the path of history, not just for Brazil and the Amazon, but for the world," as the news first came late on Sunday, October 31.

According to the Independent, many more well-known A-listers spoke out in favor of Lula in the run-up to the election. "Congratulations to the recently elected President of Brazil: Lula da Silva!" wrote Star Wars actor and veteran voice-over artist Mark Hamill in a tweet.

ALSO READ

'Sweet Baby Jesus in a manger!': Fans drool over shirtless Jason Momoa in a THONG

Amazon rainforest in Brazil burning at record rate as smoke from devastating fires can be seen from space

The Amazon saw significant reductions in deforestation throughout Lula's administration after reaching a peak in the 1990s. However, under Bolsonaro, the area saw rapid development and logging, which drew heavy criticism from many environmentalists because the Amazon has almost perpetually been known as the "lungs of the earth." The future of the Amazon rainforest was a key election issue for incumbent Bolsonaro and former president Lula in the presidential elections, which DiCaprio, a well-known environmentalist, closely followed.

In the run-up to the election, Mark Ruffalo filmed a video backing Lula. He stated in the video, "Whatever happens to the rainforest and the indigenous people who live there will have an impact on the rest of the globe for millennia to come. Lula is currently in the finest position to defend the forests." said the actor. 'Star Trek' veteran George Takei, also chimed in on Twitter stating, "They defeated fanaticism and fascism in Brazil. Do it in America, please.”

Jason Momoa had also endorsed the left-leaning candidate, posting a news story on Instagram with several heart-shaped stickers to show his support. Many actors have publicly backed Lula in this presidential race since several of them have expressed concern over deforestation in Brazil. A number of celebrities have been actively involved in raising awareness about climate change, and Brazil has been a key player in the fight against the Amazon’s ecological collapse.