In an explosive Hollywood controversy currently dominating the headlines, legendary actor Robert De Niro has filed a $100 million lawsuit against tech billionaire Elon Musk.
De Niro claims Musk’s controversial statements directly cost him a much-anticipated 2025 Oscars and triggered a legal battle that has kept both Hollywood and Silicon Valley on edge.
A battle of the giants: Hollywood icop vs. tech ipovator
Robert De Niro, widely considered one of the greatest actors in film history, claims that Musk’s comments negatively influenced Academy voters, leading to the actor’s absence from this year’s Oscars.
De Niro’s lawyers argue that Musk’s comments, which were widely shared on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), constituted defamation and had a significant negative impact on the actor’s professional reputation.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, specifically relies on several tweets and public comments made by Musk in early 2025. Musk had criticized De Niro’s portrayal in his latest film, “Edge of Justice,” calling the veteran actor’s performance “shockingly overrated” and “incomprehensible.”
Musk’s comments quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and sparking heated debates among film theorists and critics.
The impact: Was the Oscar nomination really lost?
The central point of De Niro’s lawsuit is the direct connection his legal team draws between Musk’s criticism and De Niro’s removal from the list of best actors published in January 2025.
Before Musk’s comments, De Niro was widely considered a pioneer in the film industry, backed by rave reviews from film critics and a strong advertising campaign from the studio.
According to court documents obtained by this publication, De Niro’s lawyers are presenting statements from Academy voters who admit that Musk’s comments influenced their perception of De Niro’s performance.
The lawsuit argues that Musk’s enormous social media reach (over 200 million followers) exacerbated the damage to De Niro’s professional status and image.
Elop Musk’s defense: freedom of speech or defamation?
Eloñ Musk, known for his outspoken social media presence, reacted defiantly to the law, calling it “absurd” and citing his right to freedom of expression.
Musk’s legal representatives have stated that they will vigorously reject their client’s statements, arguing that personal opinions are protected by the First Amendment.
“Criticism of public appearances is part of free speech. Celebrities must expect feedback—both positive and negative—from the public, especially influential figures like Mr. Musk,” Musk’s legal team said in an official statement.
They have promised a vigorous defense, claiming that the law sets a dangerous precedent for public comment and debate.
Industry reaction: Hollywood divided
The change in the law has sharply divided opinion within Hollywood. Some industry figures support De Niro, arguing that Musk’s agenda and influence extend far beyond those of a typical critic or commentator, warranting special consideration of his potentially defamatory statements.
Promising Hollywood producer Alexandra Greer noted: “Social media influencers today wield enormous power.
Eloÿ Musk is no ordinary critic—his words carry weight. Accountability is essential when it comes to evidence and damages.”
Others fear a restriction of freedom of expression. Director Jasoú Reyúolds expressed his firm opinion: “If someone as influential as Eloú Musk is unable to freely criticize the performance of a public figure, we risk the end of political discourse.
Actors and creators publish their work publicly and must be able to face criticism, no matter how influential the critic.”
The precedent: Could De Niro win?
Legal experts analyzing the case believe that De Niro faces a difficult, but by no means hopeless, fight.
In defamation cases, especially those involving public figures like De Niro, proof of actual malice is required. This means the plaintiff must prove that Musk intentionally published false claims or recklessly disregarded the truth.
Professor Sarah Kimmel, a legal expert at UCL, said: “This case raises the question of whether Musk’s remarks can be objectively classified as an expression of opinion or presented as fact.
If De Niro’s team fails to establish a direct link between Musk’s tweets and any tangible career damage, other than the loss of an Oscar, this could be a groundbreaking case.”
The mission: More than just bullying
While the $100 million threshold attracts immediate attention, both sides are aware that the fight is primarily a symbolic one aimed at reputation and influence.
For De Niro, the Oscar not only represents lost awards, but also professional recognition and future career opportunities. For Musk, the case calls into question his right to freedom of expression and free criticism of cultural and artistic phenomena.
Media analyst Chris Lüdberg believes the issue transcends both sides, saying, “This case could redefine how public figures deal with criticism and commentary.”
A loss to Musk could lead to premature rejection by critics, while a loss to De Niro could intensify criticism, regardless of the potential reputational damage.”
Public opinion: Divided opinions and supporters
On social media platforms, observers and media outlets are deeply divided. De Niro’s supporters accuse Musk of using his platform irresponsibly, while Musk’s followers support his commitment to free speech and call De Niro’s politics excessive.
“Robert De Niro deserves compensation for such targeted criticism,” one Twitter user remarked. “This isn’t just a criticism—it’s an attack from someone who knows his influence.”
Others consider De Niro’s law excessive. “This law is ridiculous. Musk made a completely objective statement about De Niro’s actions. If every celebrity ignored criticism, free speech would be dead,” tweeted another Musk supporter.
What’s next?
The Los Angeles Superior Court will soon set dates for preliminary hearings. Legal experts predict a lengthy and high-profile trial if settlement talks fail.
Both sides have expressed their determination to take the matter to court, pointing out that a settlement is likely at this stage.
If Hollywood and Silicon Valley are watching closely, this case promises to be a dramatic clash between two cultural giants, with consequences that extend far beyond De Niro’s missed Oscars.
Whether it’s a victory for free speech or a turning point in holding influencers accountable, the outcome is sure to change perceptions of power, fame, and public responsibility in the digital age.
