Hollywood and the tech world have collided in a dramatic showdown as legendary actor Robert De Niro has filed a $100 million lawsuit against billionaire Elon Musk, alleging that Musk’s public statements derailed his chances of securing a 2025 Oscar nomination. The explosive legal battle, which has sent shockwaves through both industries, marks a new chapter in the ongoing tension between Musk and high-profile celebrities, with De Niro claiming that the Tesla CEO’s words caused irreparable damage to his career and reputation.
The lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles court, centers on comments Musk made on X earlier this year. Musk, who has been increasingly vocal about his political views since taking on a role in the Trump administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), criticized De Niro’s recent film, a drama titled Echoes of Valor, in which De Niro plays a retired war veteran. Musk called the film “propaganda” and accused De Niro of “pushing a woke agenda” to pander to Hollywood elites. “De Niro’s performance is as fake as his activism,” Musk wrote in a post that garnered over 10 million views. “No Oscar for him—just another overrated actor trying to stay relevant.”
De Niro, a two-time Oscar winner known for iconic roles in The Godfather Part II and Raging Bull, was reportedly a frontrunner for a Best Actor nomination for his role in Echoes of Valor. The film, which received critical acclaim for its raw portrayal of post-war trauma, had positioned De Niro as a strong contender in the awards race. However, following Musk’s comments, a wave of online backlash against De Niro ensued, with some fans and conservative commentators echoing Musk’s sentiments. De Niro’s legal team argues that Musk’s statements created a “toxic narrative” that influenced Academy voters, ultimately leading to De Niro being snubbed when the 2025 Oscar nominations were announced.
“Mr. Musk’s reckless and defamatory statements directly harmed Mr. De Niro’s professional standing and cost him a well-deserved Oscar nomination,” the lawsuit states. “The financial and emotional toll of this loss is immeasurable, and we are seeking $100 million in damages to hold Mr. Musk accountable for his actions.” The lawsuit also claims that Musk’s comments led to a decline in De Niro’s marketability, with several studios reportedly pulling back from projects involving the 81-year-old actor.
Musk, who is no stranger to legal battles, responded to the lawsuit with his characteristic defiance. “De Niro is blaming me for his Oscar snub? That’s a new low,” Musk posted on X. “Maybe he should focus on making better movies instead of suing people for their opinions. See you in court!” Musk’s supporters have rallied behind him, arguing that his comments were protected free speech and that De Niro is using the lawsuit as a publicity stunt to revive his awards campaign.
The drama has sparked a heated debate online. Some fans of De Niro have condemned Musk, with one user writing, “Elon needs to stop meddling in things he doesn’t understand. De Niro is a legend, and that role was Oscar-worthy!” Others, however, have sided with Musk, claiming that De Niro’s performance was overhyped. “Musk just said what a lot of us were thinking,” another user commented. “De Niro’s been coasting on his reputation for years.”
This isn’t the first time De Niro and Musk have clashed. De Niro has been an outspoken critic of Musk’s political involvement, particularly his support for Trump, calling him “a danger to democracy” in a recent interview. Musk, in turn, has mocked De Niro’s activism, accusing him of hypocrisy. The lawsuit now sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for both men.
As the case unfolds, the entertainment world is watching closely. Will De Niro succeed in holding Musk accountable, or will this lawsuit backfire and further damage his legacy? One thing is certain: this Hollywood-tech drama is far from over.
