In an unexpected and highly charged moment, Hollywood legend Robert De Niro made headlines when he appeared on The View to defend longtime co-host Joy Behar, while also launching a direct and fiery attack on billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The outspoken actor, known for his roles in iconic films like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, didn’t hold back in his criticism of Musk, calling him “not worth your trust” and making it clear that he believes the Tesla and SpaceX CEO is a dangerous figure in today’s world.
De Niro’s appearance on The View came as part of a promotional tour for his latest project, but it quickly turned into an intense political discussion, sparking headlines and social media buzz. The actor’s remarks sent ripples through both the entertainment world and the broader public discourse, highlighting the ongoing cultural divide between the entertainment industry and the business world, particularly concerning public figures like Musk.
The first part of De Niro’s appearance was dedicated to addressing comments made about Joy Behar, a staple on The View for over two decades. Behar, known for her sharp wit and liberal perspective, has often been the target of criticism from conservative circles, and De Niro took it upon himself to stand by her during the segment.
“Joy’s been doing this for a long time, and she’s been nothing but honest and fearless. She speaks her mind, and that’s what we need more of in this country,” De Niro said. “The people who criticize her don’t understand what it means to truly engage in discourse. They just want to shut it down.”
The actor emphasized that Behar’s role on The View was important, not just for its entertainment value, but for the platform it gave to important social issues. He remarked that Behar had faced unfair criticism throughout the years but had always remained steadfast in her beliefs. “She doesn’t back down, and that’s why I admire her,” De Niro added.
However, it was De Niro’s scathing remarks about Elon Musk that truly stole the spotlight. The actor, known for his liberal political views, wasted no time in launching into a direct attack on the Tesla CEO, who has become a highly controversial figure in both the business and political arenas.
“Elon Musk is a man who thinks he’s above everyone else. He’s a billionaire who, rather than using his immense wealth for the common good, seems intent on manipulating public opinion and sowing division,” De Niro said. “He’s not worth your trust. He talks a big game about changing the world, but look at his actions. They’re all about self-interest.”
De Niro didn’t hold back in critiquing Musk’s behavior on social media, particularly his involvement in the manipulation of public discourse on platforms like Twitter. Musk’s purchase of the social media giant has been met with criticism, especially due to his frequent tweets on political issues, which many see as divisive.
“Someone who’s as powerful as Musk needs to be more responsible. But instead, he uses his platform to create chaos,” De Niro continued. “That’s not leadership. That’s just dangerous.”
De Niro’s comments reflect a broader trend in Hollywood where many public figures, particularly on the left, have criticized Musk for his behavior. Musk has often clashed with critics on social media, engaging in polarizing rhetoric, and has been accused of downplaying important issues like climate change and the pandemic. His controversial leadership style, along with his tendency to downplay the influence of misinformation on platforms like Twitter, has earned him the ire of many in the entertainment world, who argue that such figures should be held accountable for their impact on society.
Musk, on the other hand, has positioned himself as a champion of free speech, often claiming that his actions are motivated by a desire to challenge the status quo and promote individual liberty. While his supporters argue that he is a forward-thinking entrepreneur willing to disrupt established industries, his critics, including De Niro, argue that Musk’s behavior is more about personal power than any genuine desire for societal improvement.
De Niro’s comments add to the ongoing cultural and political battle in the U.S., where divisions between the entertainment industry and tech magnates like Musk continue to widen. While Musk has built a reputation as an innovator and disruptor, De Niro and other Hollywood figures view him as part of a larger problem of unchecked corporate power and influence.
At a time when political polarization has reached new heights, De Niro’s public stance may reinforce the idea that Hollywood is increasingly at odds with the business world. However, it also serves as a reminder of the power that celebrities continue to wield in shaping public opinion. Whether De Niro’s comments will lead to more prominent voices in the entertainment world standing up against Musk remains to be seen, but the actor’s criticism is likely to fuel further debate about the role of billionaires in shaping society.
Robert De Niro’s appearance on The View was more than just a promotional stop for his latest project—it was a declaration of his stance on some of the most controversial figures of today’s world. By defending Joy Behar and attacking Elon Musk, De Niro has once again shown that he’s not afraid to speak his mind, no matter the political or social repercussions. Whether or not his remarks will influence public opinion about Musk remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: De Niro isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, even in the most public of forums.
