In a shocking twist that has ignited fierce debate online, Hollywood legend Robert De Niro has been permanently banned from X (formerly Twitter). The decision reportedly came after Elon Musk, the platform’s CEO, publicly criticized De Niro’s “woke” comments during a recent interview.

The Catalyst for Controversy

The drama began when De Niro, known for his outspoken political stances, delivered a scathing critique of what he referred to as the “rising tide of ignorance in America” during a press event for his latest film. While De Niro didn’t name names, his remarks included pointed jabs at “billionaires who think memes are a substitute for governance,” a comment many interpreted as a dig at Musk.

Musk, never one to shy away from a public spat, fired back with a tweet that read:

“Robert De Niro was great in Taxi Driver, but now he’s just driving the woke bus off a cliff. Sad!”

The Ban Hammer Drops

Shortly after the exchange, De Niro’s account on X vanished. According to insiders at the platform, the decision to ban De Niro was based on “violations of community guidelines,” though specifics remain unclear. Critics, however, allege that Musk’s personal feud with the actor played a significant role in the ban.

Celebrities React

The ban has divided Hollywood and the broader public. Fellow actors like Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon took to social media to express outrage, accusing Musk of silencing dissent. Ruffalo tweeted:

“This isn’t about community guidelines; it’s about silencing voices that challenge power. #FreeDeNiro.”

Meanwhile, others, including comedian Ricky Gervais, poked fun at the situation.

“Let’s be honest, banning De Niro just proves that even billionaires can’t handle a little criticism.”

Musk’s Defense

In a follow-up statement, Musk defended the ban, stating:

“X is a platform for free speech, but free speech doesn’t mean free insults. If De Niro can’t play by the rules, he’s free to rant elsewhere.”

Musk also doubled down on his criticism of “woke ideology,” claiming it was “destroying creativity” and urging celebrities to “stop using activism as a marketing ploy.”

Public Opinion Divided

The incident has sparked a firestorm of opinions online, with hashtags like #FreeDeNiro and #MuskIsRight trending simultaneously. Some view Musk’s actions as a dangerous precedent for censorship, while others believe De Niro crossed the line by making personal attacks.

What’s Next for De Niro?

While De Niro has yet to comment publicly, sources close to the actor say he is considering joining an alternative platform to “continue speaking his truth.” Rumors suggest he’s already in talks with Mastodon and Threads, both of which have welcomed high-profile figures disillusioned with Musk’s leadership.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the clash between De Niro and Musk represents more than just a celebrity feud—it’s a battle over the intersection of free speech, power, and culture in the digital age.

Stay tuned for updates as the saga unfolds.