BREAKING: Robert De Niro Sues Elon Musk for 100 Million Dollars After Elon’s Remarks Got Him Banned and Removed from All 2025 Oscars Nominations!
The entertainment and tech worlds collided in a stunning legal showdown Monday evening when legendary actor Robert De Niro filed a $100 million lawsuit against Elon Musk, alleging that the billionaire’s inflammatory remarks on X led to De Niro being banned from the platform and stripped of all his 2025 Oscars nominations. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and Silicon Valley, igniting a firestorm of debate over free speech, corporate power, and the influence of social media giants.
The controversy traces back to a series of tweets Musk posted on February 28, 2025, targeting De Niro for his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump—a stance De Niro has maintained for years, including during Trump’s 2024 campaign and recent legal battles. On X, Musk wrote, “Robert De Niro’s woke tirades have no place in 2025 or on X. I’ve banned him from the platform—Hollywood’s hypocrisy ends here.” He followed up with, “De Niro’s Oscar noms? Revoked. The Academy can’t ignore the truth anymore.” The posts, which amassed over 10 million views and 2 million likes within hours, sparked a global uproar, with fans and critics flooding X with reactions under #DeNiroVsMusk.
De Niro, 81, an Oscar-winning actor known for roles in *Taxi Driver*, *Raging Bull*, and *The Irishman*, has long been a vocal Trump critic, famously calling him a “clown” and “monster” in public appearances and interviews, including a 2024 MSNBC segment where he compared Trump to historical dictators. Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X, has positioned himself as a defender of free speech and a critic of “woke culture,” often clashing with Hollywood elites. Their feud escalated in late 2024 after De Niro accused Musk of turning X into “a cesspool of misinformation” during a speech at the Cannes Film Festival, prompting Musk’s retaliatory ban.
De Niro’s lawsuit claims that Musk’s tweets directly caused his removal from X and triggered a chain reaction that led the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to revoke his nominations for Best Actor for *The Irishman: Legacy* and Best Supporting Actor for *Killers of the Flower Moon 2*, both slated for the 2025 Oscars on March 23. The suit alleges defamation, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, and emotional distress, asserting that Musk’s statements were “false, malicious, and designed to destroy De Niro’s career and reputation.” It seeks $100 million in damages, including lost earnings from film projects, endorsement deals, and the prestige of Oscar recognition.
AMPAS, in a statement released Monday night, said, “We are reviewing the circumstances surrounding Robert De Niro’s nominations and the allegations made by Elon Musk. The integrity of the Oscars is paramount, and we will take appropriate action based on our investigation.” However, sources close to the Academy told *Variety* that Musk’s influence on X, combined with pressure from conservative factions, may have pressured AMPAS to act, though no official reason for the revocation has been disclosed.
Musk, in a series of tweets late Monday, dismissed the lawsuit as “frivolous nonsense” and doubled down on his stance. “De Niro’s ban from X stands—his divisive rhetoric doesn’t align with our platform’s mission,” Musk wrote. “The Oscars did the right thing by removing him. Truth over woke lies.” His posts have fueled a polarized response on X, with #MuskTruth trending alongside #DeNiroJustice, as users debate the limits of free speech and corporate power.
De Niro’s publicist, Stan Rosenfield, confirmed the actor’s absence from social media, noting, “Robert De Niro does not use X or any social media, so the ban is irrelevant to his personal life. However, Elon Musk’s reckless statements have caused irreparable harm to his professional standing.” Rosenfield added that De Niro plans to testify in court, presenting evidence of lost opportunities, including a $20 million film deal and multiple endorsement contracts canceled in the wake of Musk’s tweets.
Posts on X reflect the divided sentiment, with some fans supporting Musk’s free-speech stance, like @TechFreedom2025 tweeting, “Elon’s right—De Niro’s been toxic for years. Hollywood needs a shakeup.” Others rallied behind De Niro, with @CinemaLegendFan posting, “This is a disgrace. Elon’s bullying Robert, and the Oscars are letting it happen. #JusticeForDeNiro.” Legal experts suggest the lawsuit could hinge on whether Musk’s tweets are protected as free speech or constitute actionable defamation, given De Niro’s lack of social media presence and the AMPAS action.
The timing of the lawsuit, just 20 days before the 2025 Oscars, threatens to overshadow the event, already under scrutiny for declining viewership and political controversies. Industry insiders speculate that AMPAS may face a PR crisis if De Niro’s nominations are reinstated, while Musk’s role as a polarizing figure could further alienate Hollywood from Silicon Valley.
As the legal battle looms, the MMA world awaits Musk’s response in court and AMPAS’s investigation results. This breaking story could redefine the intersection of celebrity, tech, and entertainment, leaving Hollywood on edge as the Oscars approach. Stay tuned for updates on X under #DeNiroVsMusk, as this unprecedented clash unfolds.
