On March 3, 2025, shocking news shook Hollywood and the tech world: Robert De Niro, undisputed cinematic icon and multiple Oscar winner, filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Elon Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX mogul, demanding $100 million in damages.

The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Los Angeles, stems from Musk’s recent comments on Twitter/X, which, according to De Niro, led to his exclusion and removal from all nominations for the 2025 Oscars, destroying his reputation and career at a crucial moment.

This legal battle promises to be one of the most controversial clashes of the year, capturing global attention and generating a whirlwind of speculation.

It all started just two weeks ago, when Musk, known for his bold statements and social media influence, posted a series of incendiary tweets criticizing De Niro and his role in the film industry.

In one of his messages, Musk claimed that De Niro was “an obstacle to modern creativity” and suggested that his 2025 Oscar nominations, which included categories like Best Actor and Best Picture for his work in “The Last Stand,” should be reconsidered.

“Hollywood needs to renew itself, and some figures from the past are clinging to power,” Musk wrote, accompanied by fire emojis and hashtags like #Oscars2025 and #HollywoodRevolution, which quickly went viral.

Although Musk’s comments were initially thought to be further provocation, the consequences were devastating for De Niro.

According to the lawsuit, Musk’s tweets triggered a chain reaction within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where some members, influenced by public pressure and online criticism, voted to withdraw De Niro’s nominations.

Sources within the Academy, cited in legal documents, revealed that the controversy generated by Musk created a “toxic climate” that led to an emergency review of the nominations, resulting in De Niro’s complete exclusion from the 2025 Oscars ceremony, scheduled for March 9.

“Elon Musk used his platform to destroy my professional legacy without any basis in fact,” a visibly shaken De Niro said in a statement. “This is not just a personal attack, it is an abuse of power that I cannot tolerate.”

The lawsuit details that Musk’s comments not only affected De Niro’s nominations, but also led to a drop in his commercial value, cancellation of advertising contracts, and a social media smear campaign that labeled him “irrelevant” and “outdated.”

De Niro accuses Musk of defamation, intentional interference with his business relationships, and damage to his public image, demanding $100 million in damages. The lawsuit also includes a request that Musk publicly retract his statements and apologize, although the mogul has shown no signs of backing down.

Elon Musk, for his part, responded to the lawsuit with a signature tweet: “Freedom of speech is sacred, and Hollywood needs a shake-up. If De Niro wants to fight, so be it.” In a subsequent interview with host Joe Rogan, Musk defended his comments, arguing that he meant to “spark a conversation about the lack of innovation in the film industry” and that he could not be held accountable for the Academy’s decisions.

However, some legal analysts suggest that Musk could face a significant challenge, as his words, with their enormous reach (more than 200 million Twitter followers), could be considered an act of direct influence over an institution like the Oscars.

The Academy, caught in the middle of this standoff, issued an official statement on March 2, expressing “deep sadness” over the situation and clarifying that the decision to review De Niro’s nominations was made independently, albeit influenced by “public pressure and online controversies.”

However, many critics and fans of De Niro believe Musk bears indirect responsibility, and social media has been flooded with support for the actor with hashtags like #JusticeForDeNiro and #MuskAccountability.

The impact of this lawsuit goes beyond those involved. Hollywood is on alert, fearing that this case will set a precedent for the power of social media and public figures in the film industry. If De Niro wins, it could open the door to more legal action against influencers and celebrities who use their platforms to influence cultural or professional outcomes.

On the other hand, a Musk victory would reinforce his image as a ruthless disruptor, although it could alienate more sectors of the entertainment industry.

As the case moves toward preliminary hearings, the world watches closely. Robert De Niro, with his legacy of more than five decades in cinema, seems determined to defend his honor, while Elon Musk, always at the center of controversy, shows no signs of relenting.

Will this be the end of a golden age for Hollywood or the beginning of a new battle for control of the cultural narrative? Only time and the courts will tell, but one thing is certain: this scandal has forever changed the dynamics between technology, cinema, and power.