As expected, Eloï Musk, CEO of Social Media Platform X (previously Twitter), announced that the well -known actor Robert De Niro had permanently left the platform. Musk mentioned De Niro’s “presence of vigil” as the main reason for this decision, thus triggering a ferocious debate.

Musk made the decision in a post in which he explained: “In X, we promote an open discussion and create space for unilateral and politically accused topics. The partisan rhetoric of Robert De Niro contradicts that mission. There is no room for his conscious presence on this platform.”

De Niro, known for his frank political opinions and frequent criticisms of conservative figures, was vocal on Musk’s leadership style and his opinions on freedom of speech. Last year, De Niro’s contributions to the group were clearly critical of Musk’s policy and accused him of spreading disinformation and promoting divisive ideologies.

Musk’s position, however, has positioned X as a paradise for freedom of speech and has often allowed controversial figures to express their opinions. However, his decision to fire De Niro raised questions about the consistency of this principle. Critics claim that the move highlights a double standard in Musk’s policy, while supporters believe that it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the platform.

Bape divided public opinion. Musk’s supporters welcomed the move, claiming that it was a necessary step to curb Hollywood’s “awakened” influence on social discourse. An outrageous hashtag was created, #Goodbyediro, using Musk’s decision to make a position against what they called “elite arrogance”.

On the other hand, the supporters of the family and the freedom of expression of De Niro condemned the action as censorship. The celebrities of Hollywood and politics have supported the actor, some even ask for a boycott of X.

Several actors and directors have supported Niro. In a joint explanation, they stressed how important it was that platforms such as X offer space for different points of view, even if they question popular topics. “This campaign creates a dangerous precedent,” said actor Mark Ruffalo. “If a platform claims to support freedom of expression, he cannot arbitrarily silence the rumors with which he does not agree.”

The murder rotated the debate on the role of social media in the regulation of public life and in the illustration of public people. For Musk, he raises more questions about his leadership style and x vision as a space for open dialogue.

It remains to be seen if this step will attract or sell users. While the decision of a musk considers a courageous leadership, others consider a worrying transition to the control of the authoritarian language on the platform.

So far, from Niro he has not publicly commented on his death. However, his environment suspected of being able to use this accident to support his criticisms of Musk’s policy in other public forums.

This controversy illustrates the complex challenges associated with the balance between freedom of expression and political moderation in the era of social media and focuses on the X mosses at the center of another cultural focus.