Leonardo DiCaprio gave a bombshell testimony in the trial involving Pras Michel, international money laundering, and bribery.
Here is everything you need to know.
Leonardo DiCaprio testifies in the trial of Pras Michel
Leonardo DiCaprio took a stand in the federal court on Monday morning in the trial of ex-Fugees rapper Pras Michel.
For the unversed, Michel is accused of funneling money from a fugitive Malaysian financier to influence US politicians.
Moreover, at the heart of the case is Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, who allegedly masterminded the 1MDB plot.
In addition, DiCaprio’s connection with the case stems from his years-long friendship with Low. The latter was one of the primary financers behind his film ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.’
Subsequently, DiCaprio revealed that he first met Low at a birthday party in Las Vegas in 2010.
He said, ‘I understood him to be a huge businessman with many different connections in Abu Dhabi and Malaysia.’
Additionally, the 48-year-old Oscar-winning actor told the jurors that he attended ‘lavish parties’ on yachts and nightclubs at Low’s invitation, alongside other celebrities.
DiCaprio added that he had known the defendant since sometime in the 90s after meeting him backstage after a Fugees concert.
The Titanic star recalled one particular memory when he flew to Australia to celebrate New Year’s Eve, then headed towards Las Vegas to celebrate a second time in one day.
Meanwhile, Low built a relationship with DiCaprio while making donations to his foundation. He then offered to fund his movie ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.’
DiCaprio mentioned, ‘He was a legitimate business person wanting to invest in the movie.’
Additionally, DiCaprio said that he had a conversation with Low where the latter shared that he intended to make a large contribution to Barack Obama’s reelection.
DiCaprio stated, ‘It was a significant sum – something to the tune of $20-$30 million,
He went on to add, ‘I said, wow that’s a lot of money!’
Who is Jho Low?
Jho Low is a Malaysian businessman who turned into a fugitive after leaving the United States of America.
Furthermore, he is facing a plethora of offenses including charges of money laundering.
Besides that, he is linked to the 1MDB fund, full form 1Malaysia Development Bhd, which is involved in an embezzlement scandal.
Low attended Wharton, a famed business school of the University of Pennsylvania. He also rented a club for his 20th birthday for around $40,000 in Philadelphia to party with his friends.