'That has to hurt': NAB's decision to pull philanthropy award from Robert De Niro over anti-Trump rant splits Internet

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has decided to revoke the philanthropy award intended for actor Robert De Niro.

The decision came in response to the actor's vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump during a press conference held on behalf of the Biden campaign earlier this week.

Robert De Niro’s scathing criticism of Donald Trump

The 'Amsterdam' actor said Trump “could destroy the whole world” during a press conference on Tuesday outside the Manhattan courthouse where Trump was being criminally tried. “I don’t mean to scare you. No, wait, maybe I do mean to scare you,” said the 80-year-old De Niro during the event organized by President Biden's campaign.

“If Trump returns to the White House, you can kiss these freedoms goodbye that we all take for granted.” Additionally, the Hollywood star engaged in a heated exchange with Trump supporters outside the courthouse, calling one heckler who accused him of being paid by the DNC a “f**king idiot.”

Meanwhile, Trump didn't miss the opportunity to respond to De Niro's criticism, taking to Truth Social to lambast the actor. “I never knew how small, both mentally and physically, Wacko Former Actor Robert De Niro was,” Trump said. Adding fuel to the fire, Trump posted a deepfake video on Truth Social featuring De Niro in a manipulated scenario.

Robert De Niro's political comments lead to award revocation

De Niro's remarks, in which he warned about the potential consequences of Trump's return to the White House, particularly caught the attention of the broadcasters' group. His comments were deemed too politically charged and likely to overshadow the philanthropic spirit of the Celebration of Service to America awards event.

“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,” stated Alex Siciliano, NAB’s senior vice president of communications. “To maintain the focus on service of the award winners, Mr De Niro will no longer be attending the event.”

The decision underscores the bipartisan nature of the event, which seeks to honor the impactful work of local broadcasters and their partners. “This event is proudly bipartisan, uniting those from across the political spectrum to celebrate the impactful work of local broadcasters and our partners,” he added as per the New York Post.  "We look forward to a night of celebration honoring the exceptional work of broadcasters and our partners who make a difference in their communities every day.”

Netizens divided after Broadcasters association revokes award for Robert De Niro 

A user tweeted, "Nice move guys good to see some civility." 

Another said, "that has to hurt." 

"Oh noooo, I’m sure De Niro is in shambles over that. Good for him for speaking out against that felon," said a user. 

"De Niro has so many awards that he had to buy a house just to have a place to put his awareds, so I am sure he is heartbroken," chimed another.

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