In a fiery appearance on The View, legendary actor Robert De Niro made headlines by passionately defending co-host Joy Behar while launching a scathing critique against billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The Academy Award-winning actor, known for his outspoken political views, did not hold back as he addressed what he called “the dangers of unchecked power” in today’s world. His remarks quickly sparked controversy, with reactions pouring in from both Musk’s supporters and critics alike.
De Niro’s Defense of Joy Behar
During the segment, Joy Behar brought up a recent controversy involving Elon Musk, suggesting that his influence on social and political discourse has been increasingly problematic. As Behar faced pushback from other panelists, De Niro stepped in, expressing unwavering support for her and condemning Musk’s actions.
“Joy is one of the few people in media today who isn’t afraid to speak the truth,” De Niro declared. “She challenges the people who think they can get away with anything just because they have money and power. And Elon Musk—he’s one of those people. He doesn’t deserve your trust.”
The crowd erupted in applause, as Behar nodded in agreement, visibly appreciative of De Niro’s backing.
A Direct Attack on Elon Musk
Taking aim at Musk, De Niro criticized the tech mogul’s handling of social media, particularly his controversial leadership of X (formerly Twitter). He accused Musk of fostering misinformation and allowing toxic discourse to spread unchecked.
“You’ve got a guy who buys a platform meant for open discussion and turns it into a playground for conspiracy theorists,” De Niro said. “He talks about free speech, but in reality, he just wants to control the narrative.”
De Niro also called out Musk’s treatment of employees, referencing reports of mass layoffs at Tesla, SpaceX, and X under his leadership.
“We used to admire people like Steve Jobs because they innovated and inspired,” De Niro continued. “Musk? He fires people without a second thought and calls it ‘efficiency.’ That’s not leadership. That’s ego.”
The Reaction from Musk’s Supporters
As expected, De Niro’s comments did not sit well with Musk’s loyal following. Within minutes, X was flooded with responses, with many users calling the actor “out of touch” and “a Hollywood elitist who doesn’t understand innovation.”
Right-wing commentator Ben Shapiro mocked De Niro’s statements, posting:
“Robert De Niro, a man who plays pretend for a living, thinks he knows more about the future of technology and free speech than one of the greatest inventors of our time. Hilarious.”
Others pointed out that Musk’s leadership has resulted in groundbreaking advancements in electric vehicles, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
Support from Hollywood and Political Figures
While Musk’s defenders were quick to push back, many celebrities and political figures stood by De Niro’s words. Fellow actors such as Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon voiced their agreement, with Ruffalo tweeting:
“Robert De Niro is right—billionaires like Musk think they’re untouchable, but we need to hold them accountable for the power they wield.”
On the political front, Democratic figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez echoed De Niro’s sentiment, criticizing Musk’s influence over public discourse.
“It’s about time we stop treating billionaires like gods and start questioning their role in shaping our society,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote.
Musk’s Response
Elon Musk himself did not stay silent. Responding to De Niro’s remarks, Musk posted a sarcastic tweet:
“Ah yes, Robert De Niro—the expert on technology, space travel, and the future of civilization. I’ll be sure to consult him next time I launch a rocket.”
The tweet quickly gained traction, with Musk’s followers rallying behind him.
What This Means for the Ongoing Debate
De Niro’s comments highlight the growing cultural divide regarding the role of billionaires in politics, technology, and media. While some see Musk as a visionary shaping the future, others view him as a reckless figure who wields too much influence without accountability.
As The View episode continued, Behar and De Niro emphasized the importance of questioning power and pushing back against those who attempt to control public discourse.
“We need more people to speak out,” De Niro urged. “If we let people like Musk run the world unchecked, we’ll wake up one day and realize we’ve handed everything over to the billionaires—our voices, our freedoms, everything.”
Regardless of which side one takes in this debate, one thing is clear: the conversation surrounding Elon Musk, his influence, and the accountability of billionaires is far from over.
