With a roar of laughter, Robert De Niro added fuel to the fire as Tesla’s stock plummeted dramatically. The outspoken Hollywood icon didn’t mince words as he addressed a crowd of journalists at a charity event in New York. “Elon Musk? He deserves to take this, that bastard…” he said, a smirk on his lips, prompting a mixture of laughter and murmurs from the audience. The sharp remark comes as the tech mogul is weathering an unprecedented stock market storm.
Tesla’s fall, which saw its share price plunge nearly 15% in one week, has shaken Wall Street and fueled speculation. Analysts point to a series of controversial decisions by Musk, including his provocative statements on social media and delays in the production of new models. De Niro, never short of wit, seems to have seized the opportunity to settle his score. “He thinks he’s a god, doesn’t he? Well, even gods fall,” he added, his piercing gaze betraying barely concealed satisfaction.
This outing is not insignificant. Tensions between De Niro and Musk are nothing new. In 2023, the actor had already criticized the billionaire for his outsized influence, accusing him of manipulating public opinion. Musk, true to form, responded with a tongue-in-cheek tweet, calling De Niro a “Hollywood dinosaur.” This verbal sparring, which amused internet users at the time, has now taken a more bitter turn. As Tesla falters, De Niro’s words resonate as a warning: fame is fleeting, even for titans.
But beyond the sting, Tesla’s situation raises deeper questions. Investors, once mesmerized by Musk’s futuristic vision, are beginning to doubt. Criticism is rife: chaotic management, broken promises, increased competition. Meanwhile, De Niro, at 81, embodies a form of resistance to the arrogance of the powerful. His remark, though blunt, reflects a sentiment shared by many: Musk, with his faltering empire, is not untouchable.
Time will tell whether Tesla will bounce back or whether this crisis will mark a turning point. For now, the image of De Niro sneering at Musk’s rout remains etched in everyone’s minds. One thing is certain: in this unlikely duel between a movie legend and a tech mogul, the former struck hard. And while stocks plummet, De Niro’s laughter still resonates, like a mocking echo in the halls of power.
