People News

Leonardo DiCaprio declines Saudi Princess demands

By Stone Martindale Aug 16, 2007, 3:27 GMT

Last week, Leonardo DiCaprio attended a press junket at the Beverly Wilshire hotel promoting his environmental documentary "The 11th Hour." Leonardo DiCaprio arrives for a gala screening of US directors Ethan and Joel Cohen's film 'No Country for Old Men' running in competition at the 60th Cannes Film Festival, 19 May 2007, in Cannes, France. EPA/DANIEL DEME

Leonardo DiCaprio arrives for a gala screening of US directors Ethan and Joel Cohen's film 'No Country for Old Men' running in competition at the 60th Cannes Film Festival, 19 May 2007, in Cannes, France. EPA/DANIEL DEMEHollywood reporter Janet Charlton writes that "dozens of journalists lined the hallway outside the room where Leo sat for a five minute interview for each outlet."As with all junkets, the window to speak with stars is strictly metered and timed, "to the split second" but according to Charlton, they were behind schedule and the press people were kept waiting. Charlton writes, "Suddenly the hotel manager appeared and told Leo's publicist that a hotel guest who happened to be a Saudi Arabian princess, wanted to meet Leo and get a photograph."Described as a fetching Princess, the long waiting press corps "groaned", assuming Leonardo "would jump at the opportunity." But Charlton reports he didn't. "Leo politely declined - explaining he didn't want to further inconvenience the people waiting." "The princess was not used to hearing the word no, and she tried TWICE more to get to Leo before the day was over. No luck," reported Charlton.