BREAKING: Robert De Niro sues Elon Musk for $100 million after Elon’s comments led to him being banned and removed from all 2025 Oscar nominations.
The entertainment and tech worlds collided in a stunning legal showdown Monday night as legendary actor Robert De Niro filed a $100 million lawsuit against Elon Musk, alleging that the billionaire’s provocative comments on X-rated shows led to De Niro being banned from the platform and stripped of all of his 2025 Oscar nominations. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and Silicon Valley, sparking a firestorm of debate over free speech, corporate power and the influence of social media giants.
The controversy dates back to a series of tweets Musk posted on February 28, 2025, in which he attacked De Niro for his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump — a stance De Niro has held for years, including during Trump’s 2024 campaign and recent legal battles. On X, Musk wrote, “Robert De Niro’s liberal rants have no place in 2025 or X. I have banned him from the platform — Hollywood’s hypocrisy ends here.” He followed up with, “De Niro’s Oscar nominations? Revoked. The Academy can no longer ignore the truth.” The posts, which racked up 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 his roles in *Taxi Driver*, *Raging Bull* and *The Irishman*, has long been a vocal critic of Trump, calling him a “clown” and a “monster” in public appearances and interviews, including a 2024 MSNBC segment in which he compared Trump to historical dictators. Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and owner of X, has positioned himself as a champion of free speech and a critic of “conscious 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 to be banned in retaliation.
De Niro’s lawsuit claims Musk’s tweets directly led to his expulsion from X and set off a chain reaction that led the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to rescind his nominations for Best Actor for The Irishman: Legacy and Best Supporting Actor for Killers of the Flower Moon 2, both of which were scheduled for the 2025 Oscars on March 23. The suit alleges defamation, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage and emotional distress, claiming 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 at X, combined with pressure from conservative factions, may have pressured AMPAS to act, though no official reason for the reversal has been revealed.
Musk, in a series of tweets late Monday, dismissed the lawsuit as “frivolous nonsense” and reaffirmed his stance. “De Niro’s ban from X still stands — his divisive rhetoric does not align with the mission of our platform,” Musk wrote. “The Oscars did the right thing by removing him. Truth over progressive 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 damage to his professional reputation.” Rosenfield added that De Niro plans to testify in court, presenting evidence of lost opportunities, including a $20 million movie deal and multiple endorsement deals canceled in the wake of Musk’s tweets.
Posts on X reflect the divided sentiment, with some fans supporting Musk’s free speech stance, with @TechFreedom2025 tweeting: “Elon is right – De Niro has been toxic for years. Hollywood needs a shake-up.” Others rallied behind De Niro, with @CinemaLegendFan posting: “This is a disgrace. Elon is bullying Robert, and the Oscars are allowing it to 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 a social media presence and the AMPAS action.
The timing of the lawsuit, just 20 days before the 2025 Oscars, threatens to overshadow the event, which is already under scrutiny for declining viewership and political controversies. Industry experts speculate that AMPAS may face a public relations 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 the results of AMPAS’ investigation. This breaking news could redefine the intersection of celebrity , technology, and entertainment, and leave Hollywood in suspense as the Oscars approach. Stay tuned for updates on X at #DeNiroVsMusk, as this unprecedented showdown unfolds.
