NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Robert De Niro was schooled by netizens after he appeared to blame Apple for editing his speech at the Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York City on Monday night, November 27, 2023.
The 80-year-old Oscar-winning actor was on hand to introduce the Historical Icon and Creator Tribute award for his critically acclaimed movie 'Killers Of The Flower Moon', directed by his longtime friend and collaborator Martin Scorsese.
However, the 'Taxi Driver' actor appeared confused during the speech, pausing briefly before turning around and trying to explain what had happened.
De Niro stated that he had intended to include some scathing words against former president Donald Trump, but he seemingly accused the awards show and Apple, which produced 'Killers Of The Flower Moon', of trimming his speech.
What did Robert De Niro say during his speech?
“I’m going to go back. I’m sorry. Okay, there was a mistake in this. I’ll keep going. Just keep scrolling,” he said at the Gotham Awards, appearing frustrated, according to Daily Mail.
“Filmmakers on the other hand strive — this is where I came in and I saw that they edited all that. I just want to say one thing,” De Niro fumed, adding, "The beginning of my speech was edited and cut out, and I didn’t know about it. And I want to read it."
"History isn’t history anymore. Truth is not truth. Even facts are being replaced by alternative facts and driven by conspiracy theories and ugliness,” he said as he backtracked to his previous remarks.
In addition, he brought up a racial remark made by John Wayne in a 1971 Playboy interview, saying “The Duke, John Wayne, famously said of Native Americans, "I don’t feel we did wrong in taking this great country away from them. There were great numbers of people who needed new land and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves."
In closing, De Niro blasted the Gotham Awards and Apple for removing a portion of his speech. “I’m gonna say these things, but to Apple and thank them and all that, Gothams, blah, blah, blah, Apple. But I don’t feel like thanking them at all after what they did. How dare they do that, actually?” he concluded.
Internet reacts to Robert De Niro’s remarks
De Niro’s remarks have garnered immense social media attention, with users schooling him for blasting Trump at an award show.
“Robert needs to realize there's a time and a place,” one user tweeted, while a second user wrote, “It’s an awards show, not a political event.”
“Love You Robert you're a legend bro but Apple did the right thing. Just get the Award we don't need to bring up that dude's name,” the third user stated.
“Love Bobby D but Jesus Christ every time he has a microphone it’s Trump this trump that. He’s evil he lies blah blah blah. Buddy has an award speech and has to bring up Trump,” the fourth user fumed.
"Hahahha. He’s STILL crying about Trump. Makes you wonder what Trump knows about Bobby," another user slammed.
“Because every time he does that it becomes the story. I detest Trump but we get it at this point - De Niro hates him. Enough already. Focus on your film and the amazing cast. They should stop putting him front and center because he won’t center the film and just seems like he’s lost his mind,” one more user wrote on Reddit.
