In a stunning escalation of Hollywood-meets-tech drama, legendary actor Robert De Niro has vowed to sue billionaire Elon Musk for a jaw-dropping $100 million, claiming the Tesla mogul’s reckless comments derailed his shot at a 2025 Oscar nomination. The explosive announcement, made on April 5, 2025, has set the entertainment world ablaze, pitting the fiery “Raging Bull” star against one of the planet’s most polarizing figures. Sources say De Niro is “furious beyond words,” alleging Musk’s words not only tarnished his reputation but sabotaged a career-defining role. The full story of this blockbuster feud is as wild as it gets.
The saga began late last year when Musk, never one to shy from controversy, took to X to blast De Niro’s latest film, The Comeback Trail 2, calling it “a washed-up vanity project” and De Niro “a has-been clinging to relevance.” The remarks, posted to Musk’s 200 million followers, went viral, sparking a wave of memes and mockery. De Niro, who’d been campaigning hard for an Oscar nod for his portrayal of a grizzled ex-con, watched in horror as the narrative shifted. Critics, once praising his “return to form,” began questioning his relevance, and Academy buzz fizzled out by early 2025.
Insiders say De Niro blames Musk entirely. “Bob was a lock for a nomination—until Elon opened his big mouth,” a source close to the actor fumed. “Those comments poisoned the well. Voters turned on him.” De Niro’s team alleges Musk’s influence, amplified by his role in Trump’s administration and his X platform, swayed public and industry perception, costing the 81-year-old icon a chance at his ninth Oscar nod. Now, the actor is fighting back with a $100 million lawsuit, claiming defamation, emotional distress, and lost earnings.
Legal experts call it a long shot, but De Niro’s camp is undeterred. “Elon’s not untouchable,” a lawyer for the actor declared. “He can’t just trash someone’s legacy and walk away.” The suit, set to be filed next week, will reportedly argue that Musk’s “malicious” statements were a targeted attack, fueled by a personal grudge—possibly tied to De Niro’s outspoken criticism of Trump, Musk’s ally. Fans on X are divided, with some cheering De Niro’s defiance (“Take him down, Bobby!”) and others mocking him (“Cry more, old man”).
Musk, true to form, has shrugged off the threat. “De Niro’s suing me? Good luck with that,” he posted, alongside a laughing emoji. But behind the bravado, sources say his team is scrambling to assess the fallout. A $100 million hit, even for a billionaire, isn’t pocket change—and a public trial could unearth more dirt.
For De Niro, this is about more than money—it’s about pride. “He feels robbed of his moment,” a friend shared. As Hollywood watches this clash of titans unfold, one thing’s clear: the 2025 Oscars may be overshadowed by a courtroom showdown no one saw coming. Stay tuned—the real drama’s just beginning.
