Latest Update: From rumoured ’25-year’ dating rule to alleged links with P Diddy, 5 biggest controversies of Leonardo DiCaprio… See More

Leonardo DiCaprio, one of the most prominent Hollywood figures, has been at the helm of many controversies. Despite his noteworthy contribution to cinema, his professional achievements have often been overshadowed by his controversies. As the actor turns a year older today, let’s take a look at some of his biggest controversies.

Leonardo DiCaprio is widely recognised as one of the finest actors of all time, having delivered many memorable performances in his career spanning over three decades. Known for his ability to undertake difficult roles and do justice to every character that he portrays, Leo has won many accolades in his decorated career. However, Hollywood’s golden boy is also controversy’s favourite child. Beyond his professional achievements, the actor has hit headlines on many occasions for his scandalous personal life.

As DiCaprio celebrates his milestone 50th birthday today (November 11), we are shedding light on his biggest controversies of all time.

5 biggest controversies of Leonardo DiCaprio
1. The ’25-year’ dating rule

Leonardo DiCaprio is notorious for dating women half his age. The significant age gap between DiCaprio and his romantic partners has often generated public interest as well as criticism. A quick look into his dating history would tell you that he didn’t date women over 25 but that was until he met his current girlfriend.

Looks like the actor is finally breaking free from his old patterns.The Titanic star has been dating Vittoria Ceretti, an Italian supermodel, since 2023, and she turned 26 this summer. And, if rumours are anything to go by, it’s looking serious for the couple.

2. Climate advocate by day, private jet user by night

At a time when the climate crisis is at its peak and many are counting on celebrities to lead by example, Leo’s private jet usage has sparked intense debate and criticism, particularly given his vocal advocacy for climate action.

Many environmentalists have questioned his credibility as a climate advocate, frequently resulting in intense media scrutiny.

3. The Wolf of Wall Street criticism
The Wolf of Wall Street remains one of the most impressive works of DiCaprio’s career, but did you know his portrayal of Jordan Belfort was mired in many controversies? Many called out the actor and director Martin Scorsese for downplaying the severity of Belfort’s crimes, accusing the duo of instead glorifying his scandalous life

In his defence, DiCaprio said that they aimed to show Belfort’s charisma and vulnerability, while also condemning his actions.

4. The Oscar controversy
Despite his incredible legacy and unparalleled contribution to cinema, Leonardo has won the Oscar for Best Actor title only once. But what’s even more shocking is that even his maiden victory was highly contentious.

His 2016 Oscar win for Best Actor (The Revenant) came after six nominations and 22 years of waiting but some accused the actor of rigging the voting procedure. Unfortunately for Leo, his win coincided with the #Oscarsowhite movement, with critics arguing that his win overshadowed deserving performances by actors of colour.

5. His alleged Diddy links

Hollywood is currently reeling from the Diddy controversy, and most A-listers are at threat, including the Don’t Look Up star. A viral Diddy list including names of people who attended his ‘freak-off’ parties where most of his sex crimes took place has been going viral, and it includes Leonardo’s name as well. It didn’t help that his photos attending Diddy parties have also resurfaced on the internet.

The actor, however, has denied all the links to the embattled rapper. After his old photograph from a Diddy party went viral on the internet, the Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood star claimed that he had not met Diddy for years.

Well, Love him or criticise him, Leonardo DiCaprio remains a Hollywood icon.