Robert De Niro has been an outspoken supporter of the Democrats and now he is paying the price.
Renowned actor Robert De Niro will no longer be honored with the prestigious National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) award after delivering a vehement anti-Trump speech outside the 45th president’s trial in Manhattan this week.
De Niro was slated to receive the NAB Leadership Foundation’s Service to America Award in the coming week. However, the “proudly bipartisan” organization decided to withdraw the honor following De Niro’s appearance at a Biden-Harris press conference, where he criticized former President Trump, calling him a “danger” to Americans and accusing him of wanting to “destroy” both New York City and the nation.
An NAB spokesperson explained the decision to The Hill, emphasizing the event’s bipartisan nature and its goal of celebrating the positive contributions of local broadcasters and their partners. “While we staunchly uphold the right of every American to free speech and civic engagement, it is evident that Mr. De Niro’s recent prominent actions would divert attention from the philanthropic achievements we aim to highlight,” the spokesperson said. “To ensure the spotlight remains on the service of our awardees, Mr. De Niro will no longer participate in the event.”
The NAB Leadership Foundation did not immediately provide further comments.
During the press conference, De Niro faced protests and expressed his disdain for Trump, stating, “I hope this new ad campaign reaches beyond the echo chamber to remind supporters of the threat he poses to our lives. This is not hyperbole but our reality. That’s why I’ve joined the Biden-Harris campaign, to preserve our freedoms and humanity by supporting Joe Biden for president.”
He added, “I owe a lot to this city, which makes it surreal that Donald Trump is just across the street. He doesn’t belong here. We tolerated him when he was merely a grubby real estate hustler pretending to be a big shot.”
Following his speech, the scene turned chaotic as Trump supporters heckled De Niro, leading to a confrontation with a man in a MAGA hat who labeled him a “washed-up actor.”
Neither President Biden nor Vice President Harris were present at the event.
In response to De Niro’s comments, Trump took to social media, describing the actor as “pathetic” and a “wacko.”
Despite the withdrawal of the award, De Niro expressed his good wishes towards the NAB. “I support the work of the NAB Leadership Foundation and am grateful for the positive impact the Foundation continues to make. I wish them success in their ongoing endeavors,” De Niro told The Hill.