An old interview of Mischa Barton claiming someone urged her to sleep with Leonardo DiCaprio at 19 surfaced, in the wake of his alleged romance with Eden Polani. In the interview from 2005, the actress recalled her chance meeting with the Titanic star, and the unruly advice she receive from her then-publicist, Craig Schneider.
During the sit-down with Harpers & Queen, the OC actress also discussed her TV fame, and her progress since the onset of her career. Per DailyMail, her run-in with Leonardo happened when she was only nineteen, right after the actor’s split from supermodel, Gisele Bundchen.
Mischa Barton recounted how she and Craig saw Leonardo DiCaprio at a photo shoot in Malibu. Right after, her publicist seemed to have an idea spark, which he believed would benefit her career. He told her:
“For the sake of your career, go and sleep with that man.”
Despite the push from Craig, Mischa could not fathom going through with the plan, as she was not interested in older men. The star made that clear to interviewers, saying:
“Isn’t Leo like, 30 or something.”
Leonardo DiCaprio Dated Other Younger Women After The Mischa Barton Interview
The actress’ reluctance apparently made Craig’s plot for her to become romantically involved with Leonardo go downhill. The Revolutionary Road star wound up dating another 19-year-old, Bar Refaeli right after his breakup with Gisele. The two dated on and off for six years before calling it quits for good when Bar turned 25, and Leonardo was 36.
Over the years, the now 48-year-old has gained a reputation for dating hot models below the age of 25. Stars like Blake Lively, Kelly Rohrbach, and Camila Morrone have made his dating list, all of whom he broke up with before or soon after turning 25.
The latest in the list was 19-year-old model Eden Polani, who Leonardo Dicaprio was rumored to be dating after they were photographed sitting together at a party. These dating rumors sparked outrage, and several netizens and celebrities slammed him for dating a teenager less than half his age. However, sources within his inner circle have debunked the dating claims, saying the two had no romantic connections.
Notwithstanding, the resulting backlash seems to have cast the spotlight on Leonardo’s supposed obsession with age. Aside from making Leonardo’s dating history a headline topper, it has led many to dig out dirt on the actor, like Mischa’s interview over two decades ago. The claim by Mischa Barton in the 2009 interview may lead many to question if indeed Leonardo DiCaprio had a history of offering career favors in exchange for romance. Such discoveries could vilify the actor, potentially sending his career downhill.