In an unexpected turn of events that captivated audiences around the world, tech billionaire Elon Musk found himself at the center of a heated controversy after legendary actor Robert De Niro called him “scum” on a recent episode of The View, not just to the studio audience but also to the millions of viewers at home.

Tensions rose when De Niro, known for his outspoken opinions and strong personality, appeared on The View to talk about his latest film and his thoughts on societal issues. The conversation quickly shifted to the realm of technology and its impact on modern society.

De Niro, 80, is unharmed. “People like Elon Musk think they’re close to the rest of us,” he said, his voice heavy as ever. “He’s just another multimillionaire son of a bitch who doesn’t care about the consequences of his actions.”

The comment left the live audience feeling weary as The View hosts attempted to steer the conversation back on track, but the damage was done and social media backlash ensued.

Never one to shy away from controversy, Musk quickly turned to Twitter, his preferred platform for airing public disputes. Less than an hour after the episode aired, Musk posted a terse, two-word response that sent the internet into a frenzy:

“Robert De Niro should concentrate better and act.”

The tweet went viral immediately, garnering millions of likes, replies and comments within minutes. Musk’s choice of words, which are both blunt and dismissive, has sparked fierce debate.

The confrontation between Musk and De Niro sparked a storm of indignation. The actor’s fans praised his candor and celebrated him as a voice of reason in a world dominated by tech moguls. “De Niro said what everyone was thinking,” wrote one commentator. “Musk’s ego needs to be checked.”

On the other hand, Musk’s followers have rallied behind the billionaire, praising his ingenuity and resilience. “De Niro went down like a Mezquino,” tweeted one follower. “Musk is building the future here and this guy is stuck in the past.”

The polarized reactions aim to bridge the growing cultural divide regarding the role of billionaires like Musk in shaping the future. While some admire his ambitious vision for humanity (through Tesla, SpaceX or Neuralink), others criticize his shaky personality and controversial decisions.

This isn’t the first time Musk has been involved in a public dispute. From arguments with politicians to sparring with other billionaires, Musk has earned a reputation for fearlessly standing up to his critics.

De Niro, for his part, has long been an outspoken critic of those who abuse their power or influence. His history of sharp political commentary has earned him both admiration and criticism, cementing his status as a polarizing figure in Hollywood.

The entertainment and technology industries remained relatively unchallenged, although some notable figures weighed in. Mark Cuban, businessman and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, said: “There is a huge misunderstanding among the legends, among the industries. Let’s focus on solutions, not insults.”

Actress and activist Jane Fonda, who worked with De Niro, told reporters: “Robert spoke the truth and his passion for equality and justice remains ever true. But I hope we can all have more constructive conversations.”

As the octopus slowly calms down, questions remain about the impact of this conflict on the territories beneath it. Will this spark a broader dialogue about the responsibilities of tech leaders in society? What will simply disappear into the annals of celebrity drama?

For now, neither Musk nor De Niro seem unfazed. Musk’s Twitter activity has returned to its usual mix of futuristic musings and memes, while De Niro continues to promote his latest film with the same intensity that has defined his decades-long career.

Whether this exchange marks the beginning of a deeper cultural debate or just another fleeting moment in the 24-hour news cycle, one thing is certain: both men remain firmly in the public eye, generating attention and controversy wherever they go.

One viewer put it well: “In the age of social media, no argument is too small and no word is forgotten.”