A shocking lawsuit has just rocked Hollywood as 81-year-old film legend Robert De Niro officially filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk, claiming $100 million in compensation over statements that claimed he lost his Oscar nomination and a number of big contracts. The incident was announced on March 26, 2025, when De Niro’s legal team petitioned the Los Angeles Supreme Court, accusing Musk of deliberately damaging his reputation through comments about X, the foundation Musk owned. This lawsuit is not only a personal battle but has also revived the debate about the power of tech billionaires in shaping public opinion and affecting the entertainment industry.
It all started in January 2025, when Musk posted a series of tweets criticizing De Niro, calling him “false morality” and “the end of time” after De Niro openly protested Musk in a speech at the Golden Globe Awards. Musk wrote, “De Niro thinks who’s a voice that teaches? He’s just a failure trying to suck it up.” These words spread rapidly, attracting millions of views and comments, in which many people resorted to attacking De Niro. As a lawsuit, Musk’s speeches created a negative wave, causing De Niro to be nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film “The Last Stand,” which was highly regarded. In addition, he also lost three major advertising contracts with brands such as Rolex and American Express, with a total estimated value of up to $20 million.
De Niro, who won two Oscars and is considered a symbol of American cinema, was unable to hide his outrage. In a brief press conference, he said, “I’ve worked my entire life to build a reputation, and I wouldn’t let a man like Musk destroy it with a few tweets.” His legal team argued that Musk intentionally damaged De Niro’s career, violated the law by defaming his reputation and causing severe financial damage. They sought $100 million in compensation, including damage to his reputation and economic losses.
The public reaction was intense. On X, the hashtag #Denirovsmusk rose to the top of the trending list, with fans split into two camps. One side supported De Niro, saying Musk had abused his power to attack him personally, with comments like, “Elon thinks he’s a king? De Niro deserves to be respected.” In contrast, Musk’s fans mocked the lawsuit, calling De Niro “sensitive,” and believing he was vying for money from the drama. Musk, in his usual style, responded with a brief tweet: “Meet in court, Bob. Grab a paper towel.” This sarcastic remark even heated up the legal battle.
This lawsuit isn’t just a matter between the two men, but it also raises a big question about the accountability of those who have influenced social media. With the trial scheduled for June 2025, everyone is waiting to see if De Niro can recover justice, or if Musk will continue to prove he’s an “unbeatable man” in every battle. One thing is certain: Hollywood and Silicon Valley have never collided so violently!
