Leo Likes Free Stuff, In A Big Way

leo dicaprioLeonardo DiCaprio will take your free stuff, but don't you dare ask for a photo in return!

The incident went down at a Golden Globes gift suite on Thursday. At 5:15 PM, Leo entered the suite at the Friars Club in Beverly Hills, which was packed with over 40 vendors offering free items; including jewelry, handbags, shoes and barbecues. Leo's publicist tells TMZ his client was there to support Global Green, an environmental organization that had a booth in the suite.

DiCaprio was there with his girlfriend, supermodel Bar Refaeli. Also in tow-- someone carrying two huge empty duffel bags. The drill at this event is for the celebrity to load up on free stuff in exchange for taking photographs with the various vendors. The vendors then use the photos to market their products and everyone wins. But that wasn't the case with Leo.


The Golden Globe double-nominee informed the muckety-muck running the show, that no one was to take his picture. He then 'shopped' til the duffel bag guy dropped, cherrypicking the free stuff without giving anything in return. Leo would ask Bar if she wanted jewelry, and stated that certain handbags would be perfect for his mother.

The only snag came when the "Titanic" star was approached by designer-to-the-stars Glenn Laiken. Our spies, who overheard the conversation, say that Laiken, who owns Alandales mens clothing store, told Leo, "I would love to make a custom shirt for you, but I understand you don't want any photos taken." Our sources say that Leo dismissively responded, "We have many other people here to see. I may be back." DiCaprio turned away and never came back to Laiken.

Leo's rep insists the star was there to support his environmental cause, and people offered him the free stuff. He also says DiCaprio was told by Global Green that his picture would not be taken. Leo signed dozens- if not a hundred- autographs, which in of itself has market value.

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Reader Comments

(Page 4 of 4) Previous 15 Comments

46. When everyone says the same about a person, it's generally true. Leo just reflects his true values and past environment...a loser given a chance to portray characters he's not.

Posted at 11:53AM on Jan 14th 2007 by Ron Mitchell

47. Soooo, he's not perfect. What a surprise???? Let he who is, cast the first stone. Reallly!!!
Leo's always liked freebies, since he was a young cat. It's part of who he is, not the good part perhaps, but there it is. Besides, the vendors don't have to give him anything -- it's not like they're being forced -- they could say, "No photo, no swag!" I don't think he's ever asked anyone to put him up on a pedestal, has he? HAS HE? As long as he's doing something decent in return (photos excepted I suppose), charities/donating his own time to causes (which he does), what's the difference? People will go to his movies irregardless. Now maybe if he went on Oprah and jumped up and down on a couch proclaiming his love for one of his supermodel friends.....then people would turn against him. Some folks here can only hope, eh?

Posted at 1:39PM on Jan 15th 2007 by sheila king

48. Hmmm....so Leo GRABBED thousands of dollars of free stuff and RAN AWAY WITH IT. LOL. POLICE....then they should have called the police, shouldn't they? I mean he must have stolen that stuff if he just grabbed it without someone handing it to him. HELLOOOOO.

Posted at 4:46PM on Jan 20th 2007 by sheila king

49. thought that they were doing away with all this goody bag like junk.........as if these overpaid monkeys need free stuff...............
hope he made out a big check to save the earth to give back.........

Posted at 9:39AM on Jan 16th 2007 by declanium

50. I applaud Glenn Laiken for taking the time to engage LEO in a brief conversation pointing out the 'give and take' of the 'gifting' process.
It seems that LEO's PR machine had to quickly come up with an angle
to salvage Leo's image in this very embarrassing situation. I am sure LEO
is generous and giving of his name and money to causes of his choosing, however, Leo should not have abused the rules of this event's 'gift exchange for photo' rule. Again, kudos to Glenn Laiken of ALANDALES in Culver City for pointing out this to LEO. Glenn Laiken deserves a standing ovation, or at least a public apology from LEO.

Posted at 11:32AM on Jan 16th 2007 by DJ

51. After calling Glenn Laiken at ALANDALES, and yes he took the telephone call, I am thrilled to say that I look forward to purchasing a variety of my wardrobe from ALANDALES. I am glad that Glenn stood his ground with LEO - now maybe LEO will understand what it means to be like you and me - on solid ground. Thank you Glenn for being a gentleman and sharing your thoughts with me. Here is ALANDALES telephone number - 310.838.5100 - I am sure Glenn will take you call too.

Posted at 11:11AM on Jan 17th 2007 by DJ

52. It's no wonder the 'stars' (?????) have so much money - they get everything for free. And NO - they do NOT deserve it !

Posted at 1:56PM on Jan 17th 2007 by Mel

53. Glenn Laiken was spotted in NYC this past weekend - when asked about the LEO stuff - he just took the high road and moved-on. Once again, Glenn shows he is a gentleman. I am sure Glenn was working on his latest designs in NYC. It seems he is well liked by the men's fashion world.

Posted at 4:34PM on Jan 22nd 2007 by DJ

54. Sooo wat he goes by the rules,besides i bet if someone offered u jewlry u would take it soo dont be haten on my man

Posted at 4:37PM on Feb 16th 2007 by Samantha

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