In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the tech world, legendary actor Robert De Niro has officially filed a $100 million lawsuit against billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The legal action, submitted to the California Supreme Court in late February 2025, accuses Musk of making inflammatory statements that directly led to De Niro’s exclusion from the 2025 Oscar nominations and the loss of several lucrative contracts. The lawsuit marks a dramatic escalation in a feud that began earlier this year, highlighting the growing tension between traditional entertainment icons and influential tech moguls.
The controversy traces its roots to mid-January 2025, when Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, took to X, the social media platform he owns, to post a scathing critique of De Niro. In the now-infamous tweet, Musk labeled the actor “a fake moral man” and urged the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to “eliminate those who only know how to preach.” The remarks came shortly after De Niro, in a widely publicized interview, criticized Musk’s outsized influence on American politics, accusing him of using his wealth and platform to manipulate public discourse. Musk’s response was swift and personal, igniting a firestorm of debate across social media and entertainment circles.
According to the lawsuit, Musk’s comments had immediate and devastating consequences for De Niro’s career. Just days after the tweet, the Academy announced that De Niro would not be considered for any nominations at the 97th Oscars, held on March 2, 2025. This was a notable absence, as the 81-year-old actor had recently completed a starring role in a critically acclaimed film tipped for awards recognition. De Niro’s legal team argues that Musk’s statements created undue pressure on the Academy, leading to what they describe as an unprecedented and unjust “ban” on the actor’s participation. Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that several major studios and brands canceled contracts with De Niro, including a $20 million film deal and multiple endorsement agreements, citing the negative publicity sparked by Musk’s attack.
De Niro, a two-time Oscar winner known for iconic roles in films like The Godfather Part II and Raging Bull, has rarely shied away from speaking his mind. In a brief statement following the lawsuit’s filing, he expressed his resolve: “I’ve dedicated my life to my craft, and no one—not even Elon Musk—can take that away from me without a fight.” His legal team is seeking $100 million in damages, covering both financial losses and the reputational harm inflicted by Musk’s words. They argue that the tech billionaire’s influence extends far beyond business, weaponizing his platform to target individuals in ways that cause real-world consequences.
Musk, never one to back down from a challenge, responded on X with characteristic defiance: “Sue me for $100 million? Good luck with that. Maybe De Niro should focus on making better movies instead of crying about free speech.” The quip has only fueled the controversy, with Musk’s supporters praising his candor while De Niro’s fans decry what they see as reckless bullying by a man with unparalleled resources. Legal experts suggest the case could hinge on whether Musk’s statements are protected as free expression or cross the line into defamation, a question that promises a contentious courtroom battle.
The fallout from this clash extends beyond the two men involved. It underscores a broader cultural divide between Hollywood’s old guard and the disruptive forces of Silicon Valley. As the trial looms, the public watches eagerly—some rooting for De Niro to reclaim his honor, others cheering Musk’s unapologetic stance. Whatever the outcome, this lawsuit is poised to leave a lasting mark on both industries, raising questions about accountability, influence, and the power of words in the digital age. For now, the world waits to see who will have the last word in this high-stakes showdown.
