As expected, Eloï Musk, CEO of social media platform X (formerly Twitter), announced that well-known actor Robert de Niro had permanently left the platform. Musk cited De Niro’s “waking presence” as the main reason for this decision, thus triggering a fierce debate.
Musk made the decision in a post in which he explained: “At X, we promote open discussion and create space for one-sided and politically charged arguments. Robert De Niro’s partisan rhetoric contradicts that mission. There is no room for his conscious presence on this platform.”
De Niro, known for his outspoken political views and frequent criticism of conservative figures, has been vocal about Musk’s leadership style and his views on free speech. Last year, De Niro’s contributions to the group were sharply critical of Musk’s politics and accused him of spreading misinformation and promoting divisive ideologies.
Musk’s stance, however, has positioned X as a haven for free speech and has often allowed controversial figures to voice their opinions. However, his decision to fire De Niro has raised questions about the consistency of that principle. Critics argue that the firing highlights a double standard in Musk’s politics, while supporters believe it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the platform.
BAPE divided public opinion. Musk’s supporters welcomed the move, claiming it was a necessary step to curb the “woke” influence of Hollywood on social discourse. An outrageous hashtag, #Goodbyediro, was created, using Musk’s decision to take a stand against what they called “elite arrogance.”
On the other hand, De Niro’s family and freedom of expression advocates condemned the action as censorship. Hollywood and political celebrities supported the actor, some even calling for a boycott of X.
Several actors and directors came out in support of De Niro. In a joint statement, they stressed how important it was for platforms like X to provide space for different points of view, even if they challenge popular arguments. “This campaign sets a dangerous precedent,” said actor Mark Ruffalo. “If a platform claims to support free speech, it cannot arbitrarily silence voices it disagrees with.”
The assassination has rekindled debate about the role of social media in regulating public life and exposing public figures. For Musk, it raises further questions about his leadership style and his vision of X as a space for open dialogue.
It remains to be seen whether this move will attract or sell users. While some Musk sees the decision as courageous leadership, others see it as a worrying shift toward authoritarian control of speech on the platform.
De Niro has yet to publicly comment on his death. However, his entourage suspects that he may use the incident to bolster his criticism of Musk’s policies in other public forums.
This controversy illustrates the complex challenges associated with balancing free speech and political moderation in the age of social media, and focuses Musk X at the center of another cultural spotlight.
