During the entire Oscar voting period, reports about Leonardo DiCaprio's involvement in money laundering kept surfacing. Although there was no evidence to prove DiCaprio's involvement, a series of meticulously crafted articles, coupled with testimony from so-called insiders, made it seem as though some media outlets were determined to convict DiCaprio.
Not long after the New Year, this issue even caught the attention of the FBI. After a brief investigation, the FBI unexpectedly announced a formal case, surprising everyone.
With this, the scandal of DiCaprio's involvement in international money laundering seemed to become a reality.
Although the matter did not directly implicate DiCaprio himself, the agents managing his charitable foundation were temporarily detained by the FBI.
The FBI's involvement had nothing to do with Murphy. His original intention was to tarnish DiCaprio's reputation during the critical moment of the awards season by using some known facts from his memory. He hadn't expected the FBI to be so sensitive, stepping in based on media reports.
Of course, there was another possibility: the FBI might have already been aware of Jho Low and the 1MDB international money laundering case. The continuous media exposure forced them to move the investigation from the shadows to the public eye.
As the FBI began to release preliminary details, media speculation about DiCaprio's involvement in money laundering reached a peak.
"Shocking! Leonardo DiCaprio Involved in a $3 Billion International Money Laundering Scandal!"
"$33 Million of Illegal Investment in 'The Great Gatsby'!"
"Millions in Donations to DiCaprio's Charity Foundation Suspected to Come from Dirty Money!"
"DiCaprio Responds to Money Laundering Allegations: Cooperating with Investigation..."
True and false reports flooded the internet and entertainment media. When a scandal involves a star of DiCaprio's caliber, the media naturally rush to report it.
"DiCaprio's Involvement in Money Laundering? 'The Great Gatsby' Producers Could Be Sued!"
Some media even began to analyze the so-called details of DiCaprio's involvement in the money laundering case.
"Revealed: How Leonardo DiCaprio Got Involved in a Huge Money Laundering Case Step by Step!"
The influence of public opinion is strong and undeniable, always present.
For a while, DiCaprio was under immense pressure, much like Murphy was after the Hollywood Chinese Theatre shooting incident. However, unlike Murphy, DiCaprio could legally distance himself from this issue, but his reputation took a hit.
DiCaprio's previously impeccable reputation suffered severely, and even his praised environmental and charity work came under scrutiny due to the potential use of illegal funds.
Although money laundering is not uncommon in Hollywood, this was the first time it involved someone as famous as DiCaprio.
This case was highly credible to the public and media, as movie investments often have large cash outflows and vague expenses, making them an easy avenue for laundering money.
During the investment process, many props, sets, and special effects are expended or damaged. If the film makes good box office returns, these become legitimate business revenues.
"Suffering from the negative impact of the money laundering scandal..."
In the office at the Venice warehouse studio, Gal Gadot updated Murphy on the latest developments. "DiCaprio had to cancel his annual charity auction dinner, losing at least a few million dollars just in ticket refunds."
Murphy set his teacup down, smiling and shaking his head. "That amount is nothing to DiCaprio."
Every New Year, DiCaprio hosts a charity auction dinner in major cities like Los Angeles or New York. Besides invited guests, tickets are sold for over $10,000 each, with proceeds supposedly donated to charity.
Whether the donations were actually made is unknown, as DiCaprio's charitable foundations have never disclosed their financial records.
"We used to be friends with DiCaprio," Gadot mused. "I never thought it would come to this."
She remembered clearly that Murphy and the Stanton Party had once vacationed with DiCaprio on a yacht, and she had gotten along well with DiCaprio's ex-girlfriend, Gisele Bündchen.
Who would have thought that in just a few years, Bündchen would not only split from DiCaprio and marry NFL star Tom Brady, but she and Murphy would also become DiCaprio's enemies?
But it was just a passing thought. DiCaprio had put himself in opposition to Murphy, which meant he was against her too.
Enemies deserve no mercy.
While Murphy was busy finalizing a detailed shooting plan, Gadot paced the office, recalling the series of incidents instigated by DiCaprio during the preparation of "The Wolf of Wall Street." She felt it was a good time to teach him a lesson.
But how to make DiCaprio remember it well or even feel the pain?
Furrowing her brows, Gadot paced the office again before coming up with an idea.
She asked Murphy, who was still busy, "Honey, do you remember how much Bill said DiCaprio made from 'The Great Gatsby'?"
"Hmm?" Murphy looked up, thinking for a moment. "About $25 million, I think."
Gadot continued, "And the donations from Jho Low and the 1MDB Foundation to DiCaprio's charity?"
Murphy, unsure of her intent, replied, "I'm not sure of the exact amount. You'd have to ask Bill, but it's definitely over $10 million."
"If DiCaprio had to give that money back..." Gadot smiled slightly, "Wouldn't that hurt him?"
"Oh?" Murphy was intrigued. "Tell me more."
Gadot explained, "Given the current situation, if DiCaprio wants to clear his name and maintain his reputation, he'll have to return the money!"
Murphy nodded. "You're right."
After thinking it over, he said, "Gadot, coordinate with Bill and Carla. Have them help you implement this."
Three days later, many media outlets and social platforms suddenly saw a surge of demands without any warning.
"If DiCaprio knew the investment in 'The Great Gatsby' was dirty money, he should return his earnings from the film! If the FBI and DOJ confirm the film's investment involves money laundering, it means there's dirty money in DiCaprio's account! If the 1MDB Foundation and Jho Low are involved in international money laundering, DiCaprio should return the corresponding donations!"
The calls for DiCaprio to return the money grew louder and more frequent.
"This is just one of many voices."
In an unassuming office, a middle-aged man spoke to DiCaprio, who sat on a sofa with a sullen expression. "The public opinion and situation are very unfavorable for us."
DiCaprio, no longer able to maintain his previous calm, his face now a shade of blue, coldly asked, "What do you think we should do?"
Previously, the public opinion attacks only affected his Oscar bid. Even if the FBI and DOJ were investigating, it wouldn't have caused him too much negative impact. But now, with calls for him to return the $25 million from "The Great Gatsby" and over $10 million in charity donations, it felt like his flesh was being cut.
That's $40 million! Even with his wealth and status, he couldn't immediately come up with that much cash!
DiCaprio stood up abruptly. "What does Murphy Stanton want?"
"Leo..." The middle-aged man, DiCaprio's most trusted manager, advised, "Calm down, don't lose your temper. Anger won't solve the problem."
This manager's advice was relatively effective. DiCaprio suppressed his anger and asked again, "What do you suggest? What should we do?"
"The situation is very unfavorable for us. If you want to distance yourself as much as possible, minimize negative impact on this year's Oscars, and protect your reputation," the manager hesitated but then firmly said, "You need to return all funds related to Jho Low and the 1MDB Foundation as soon as possible, or at least hand them over to the DOJ."
"What?" DiCaprio's eyes widened dramatically, much like in a movie. "Return the money? Do you know how much that is? It's $40 million! How am I supposed to come up with that much cash right now?"
It felt like his heart was bleeding. "I disagree! That's too much money!"
The manager looked at him and seriously said, "Leo, if you don't have the cash, you can get a loan. With your capability, it's not difficult. Plus, as long as you maintain your status and reputation, you'll earn that $40 million back eventually."
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