Leonardo DiCaprio’s eco-friendly business portfolio appears to have taken a hit, as one of his vegan sneaker investments is reportedly facing serious financial trouble.
The Hollywood star, known for his environmental activism, is said to be linked to a sustainable footwear brand that has been bleeding cash, with losses reportedly nearing $4 million.
The financial setback comes as DiCaprio continues to make headlines away from business, including renewed chatter about his relationship with model Vittoria Ceretti and recent jokes about his dating history.
DiCaprio’s vegan sneaker brand LØCI has reportedly found itself in a troubling financial position despite its celebrity-backed profile.
The eco-friendly footwear company has attracted support from several Hollywood names, including Ben Affleck, Mila Kunis, and Eva Longoria, while Nicki Minaj once floated her own line with the brand.
However, according to The U.S. Sun, records show the British footwear brand has accumulated losses of £2.9 million, or roughly $4 million, while owing £931,130 to various creditors.
Perhaps more alarming is the brand’s limited cash reserve, with filings reportedly showing just £7,355 listed as “cash at bank and in hand.”
The company has also reportedly remained reliant on wealthy investors to stay afloat. Filings show LØCI received £5,170,947 in investor funding, helping prop up the struggling venture and leaving it with equity of nearly £2.3 million despite the heavy losses.
LØCI Risks Trouble With U.K. Authorities
According to the outlet, LØCI has now resorted to offering dozens of its products at half price in a bid to boost sales.
Even Minaj’s range with the vegan shoe brand, including the “Barbie Dangerous” and “Itty Bitty Piggy” sneakers, has reportedly been heavily discounted.
Beyond its financial struggles, the company may also be courting trouble with U.K. authorities after allegedly filing its accounts late for two consecutive years. It was also reportedly late in submitting its annual “confirmation statement,” a legal requirement for companies in the country.
The U.K. government’s website warns that failing to file confirmation statements, annual returns, or accounts is a criminal offense, and that directors or designated LLP members could be personally fined in criminal courts.
Leonardo DiCaprio Said He Was ‘Proud’ To Back The Brand
DiCaprio, who has long championed environmental causes and directed significant portions of his fortune toward conservation, has been one of LØCI’s key financial backers.
At the time of his investment, the Oscar-winning actor released a statement explaining why he chose to support the brand.
“I am proud to be an investor in LØCI, a brand dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact, and centered around creating cruelty-free, ethical footwear,” the “Inception” actor said.
LØCI founder Emmanuel Eribo also spoke glowingly about DiCaprio’s involvement at the time.
“He’s an absolute star and sees the world the same way we see it,” Eribo said. “It’s been an absolute blessing having him on the team. You can’t ignore it’s a British brand, and he’s betting on it.”
DiCaprio ‘Open To A Serious Future’ With Girlfriend
Amid reports of his business setbacks, Leonardo DiCaprio appears to be winning in other areas of his life, particularly with his Hollywood career and his relationship with girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti.
Although the actor lost out on the Best Actor Oscar to Michael B. Jordan, his film, “One Battle After Another,” still had a major night, taking home six awards.
The 51-year-old attended the ceremony with his 27-year-old girlfriend, and while they did not pose together on the red carpet, their appearance still marked a major step in their relationship.
It was reportedly the first time DiCaprio and Ceretti had attended a major awards show together since they began dating in 2023.
Leonardo DiCaprio Is ‘Showing A Different Side’ With Vittoria Ceretti
DiCaprio has been linked to several high-profile women over the years, including Gisele Bündchen, Blake Lively, and Camila Morrone. However, his romance with Vittoria Ceretti may be taking a more serious turn.
An insider who spoke with PEOPLE claimed DiCaprio is drawn to Ceretti’s independence and the fact that she has her own life outside their relationship.
“Vittoria also has her own life, and she’s very independent, which is appealing to him, especially when he’s away for filming and has long days on set,” the insider said.
The source also claimed DiCaprio has been “much more openly affectionate” with Ceretti than his friends have seen him be with any of his previous girlfriends.