Leonardo Di Caprio hands over Hillary Clinton fundraiser hosting duties to Justin Timberlake

Leonardo Di Caprio was expected to host a star-studded fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at his Los Angeles home on 23 August, with each plate going at $33,400 (£25,540). But now The Revenant star has been forced to drop out and hand over the duties to Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, because his work will keep him away.

People magazine reported that Di Caprio will be across the country in New York and unable to make it home in time to play host. After discussions with Clinton's campaign, the venue was moved to the home of the Grammy winner and his actress wife's home instead.

"Not wanting to leave Hillary hanging, Leo called his friends Justin and Jessica Biel and asked if they would host for him. They immediately agreed to fill in as hosts and moved the event to their home for Tuesday," a source told the magazine.

Despite the hefty price of the event invite, only a portion of the money will go towards Clinton's campaign while the rest will be given to the Democratic National Committee (DNC), as well as state and local campaigns.

A day prior to the Timberlake-Biel luncheon, a fundraiser will also be held at media proprietor and Power Rangers billionaire Haim Saban's home, on 22 August.

The event is expected to be co-hosted by Disney chief executive Bob Iger, LA Olympics bid chief Casey Wasserman and mega-donor Jeffrey Katzenberg.

DiCaprio is currently producing the documentary Before The Flood with Brett Ratner, Fisher Stevens and Rick Yorn. The film focuses on how climate change affects endangered species, ecosystems and native communities.

President Obama, Bill Clinton, John Kerry, Ban Ki-moon and Pope Francis are featured in the film which is expected to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on 9 September.