Hollywood and the tech world have just been dealt a major shock: Robert De Niro, the movie legend, has officially filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, for damages of up to $100 million. The case was filed with the California Supreme Court in late February 2025, just a few days after the 97th Academy Awards were held without De Niro in attendance for the first time in decades. The reason, which stems from a controversial statement by Musk, is said to have led to De Niro being banned from attending and his name being removed from all Academy nominations.
It all started when Musk posted a tweet in mid-January, calling De Niro a “fake moral man” and calling on the Oscars to “eliminate those who only know how to preach.” This tweet came immediately after De Niro publicly criticized Musk in an interview, related to his influence on American politics. Shortly afterward, the academy suddenly announced that De Niro was banned from attending the awards ceremony and was not being considered for any of the 2025 Oscar nominations, despite having just played the lead role in a highly-regarded film. De Niro’s legal team argued that Musk’s speech caused unnecessary pressure on the academy, resulting in severe financial and reputational damage to the 81-year-old actor.
The reaction from both sides is fierce. De Niro, in a brief statement, said: “I have dedicated my entire life to art, and no one, including Musk, can deprive me of that.” Meanwhile, Musk responded on X with a defiant tone: “I sued myself for 100 million? Good luck, Bob. Court is not your movie.” The online community was immediately divided. De Niro fans call this “a battle for justice,” while fan of fan mocked: “Does this old man think he is really Tony Soprano?”
This lawsuit is not only a personal confrontation, but also highlights the conflict between traditional artists and the new forces of technology. With De Niro claiming material and spiritual damages, the trial promises to be long and dramatic. The academy declined to comment, but public pressure could force them to review the decision. Will De Niro win and regain the honor, or will Musk continue to demonstrate unstoppable influence? As the trial date approaches, everyone is waiting to see who will have the last laugh.
