Robert De Niro Censored Over Trump Comments, Is Apple To Blame? – Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Actor Robert De Niro, known for his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump, recently found himself censored during a speech at the Gotham Awards. The incident occurred as De Niro was set to introduce the Historical Icon and Creator Tribute award for his film “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, De Niro realized that his prepared comments had been edited, leaving out his remarks about Trump. Undeterred, De Niro insisted on reading his original speech, which included insults against the former president.

In his speech, De Niro lamented the erosion of truth and facts in today’s society, stating, “Lying has become just another tool in the charlatan’s arsenal. The former president lied to us more than 30,000 times during his four years in office, and he’s keeping up the pace with his current campaign of retribution. With all of his lies, he can’t hide his soul.”

De Niro also criticized Trump for his disrespectful treatment of Native Americans, specifically mentioning his derogatory nickname for Senator Elizabeth Warren, which Trump used as a slur.

Interestingly, De Niro seemed to place blame on Apple Inc., the distributor of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” for censoring his speech. He expressed his dissatisfaction with Apple’s actions, questioning, “How dare they do that, actually?”

While Apple has not responded to the incident, it raises questions about the future involvement of De Niro in the film and the potential impact on its reception at future award shows. “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a major project for Apple, representing a significant investment in the entertainment space. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, has already performed well at the box office, grossing $65.7 million domestically and $151.9 million worldwide.

This is not the first time De Niro has publicly expressed his disdain for Trump. He famously shouted “F*** Trump” at the 2018 Tony Awards and made scathing remarks about the former president during a speech at The New Republic’s Stop Trump Summit in October.

De Niro’s criticism of Trump aligns with his view of the former president as an “evil one” and a “wannabe tough guy with no morals or ethics.” Despite Trump’s controversial presidency, he remains a frontrunner candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election.

The incident at the Gotham Awards highlights the ongoing divide between public figures and their ability to freely express their opinions, especially when it comes to political matters. While De Niro’s comments may resonate with some, they also serve as a reminder of the polarizing nature of political discourse in today’s society.

As the entertainment industry continues to navigate the intersection of politics and art, it remains to be seen how the actions of platforms like Apple and the outspokenness of individuals like De Niro will shape the future of filmmaking and public expression.