Actor Robert De Niro has recently made headlines for his incessant criticism of former President Donald Trump. Last week, the actor made an appearance outside the New York City courtroom during the hush money trial, where he launched into a tirade against Trump.
Following the remarks, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) stated it would no longer extend a highly coveted award to the liberal actor. The NAB was set to grant the NAB Leadership Foundation’s Service to America Award to De Niro next week. However, the organization noted that it is “proudly partisan,” and rescinded the award after De Niro attended the Biden campaign press conference and sounded off on Trump.
“This event is proudly bipartisan, uniting those from across the political spectrum to celebrate the impactful work of local broadcasters and our partners,” an NAB spokesperson explained to The Hill. The spokesperson told the outlet that while the NAB supports freedom of speech, they felt that De Niro’s comments would be a “distraction” to the organization’s purpose.
“While we strongly support the right of every American to exercise free speech and participate in civic engagement, it is clear that Mr. De Niro’s recent high-profile activities will create a distraction from the philanthropic work that we were hoping to recognize,” the spokesperson continued. “To maintain the focus on service of the award winners, Mr. De Niro will no longer be attending the event.”
As De Niro delivered his remarks at the Biden-Harris event, outside the courthouse where its political opponent was being tried, the leftist actor was met with opposition from Trump supporters who shouted him down as he spoke. De Niro asserted that Trump does not “belong” in New York City.
“I hope this new ad campaign reaches outside the bubble to remind supporters of what a danger he is to our lives. This is not a threat. This is our reality. And that’s why I’ve joined the Biden-Harris campaign, because the only way to preserve our freedoms and hold on to our humanity is to vote for Joe Biden for president,” De Niro said during his fiery speech.
He further labeled Trump as a “grubby real estate hustler,” continuing, “I owe this city a lot. And that’s why it’s so weird that Donald Trump is just across the street because he doesn’t belong in my city. I don’t know where he belongs, but he certainly doesn’t belong here. We New Yorkers used to tolerate him when he was just another grubby real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot.”
De Niro addressed the NAB after learning that he would no longer receive the award he was originally set to receive. Despite the group’s move, he expressed his gratitude and support for the organization’s work. “I support the work of the NAB Leadership Foundation and would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for what the Foundation has done and will continue to do for the good of us all, and I wish them well for their continued good work,” De Niro said. Watch footage of De Niro getting confronted by Trump supporters below: