Veteran American actor Robert De Niro has taken aim at US President Donald Trump, warning that many in Hollywood are hesitant to speak out against him out of fear — even as Trump proposes steep tariffs on foreign-made films.
Speaking to AFP at the Cannes Film Festival, the 81-year-old actor said that the industry is "worried about the wrath of Trump," with many choosing silence over risking backlash.
“They have big businesses, they have to worry about the wrath of Trump, and that's where they have to make a decision: do I succumb to that or do I say no?” he said.
De Niro's comments come a day after he received an honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes, where he used his acceptance speech to call Trump a “philistine” and urge resistance against his agenda — particularly his suggestion of a 100-percent tariff on films produced outside the United States.
“You can't have apathy, you can't have silence,” De Niro said on Wednesday. “People have to speak up and they have to take chances and risk being harassed. You just can't let the bully win, period.”
He also praised U.S. universities and law firms that have challenged Trump’s policies, saying their courage “gives [others] strength to fight.”
Aside from his political remarks, De Niro revealed details about a deeply personal documentary project he's working on with French artist JR. The film explores De Niro’s family history — especially his father, a painter — and includes archival footage and large-scale visuals. It also features an appearance by longtime collaborator Martin Scorsese.
Reflecting on the project's themes and his own mortality, De Niro told an audience in Cannes: “I don't have a choice, so you might as well not be afraid of it.”
(With inputs from AFP)
Speaking to AFP at the Cannes Film Festival, the 81-year-old actor said that the industry is "worried about the wrath of Trump," with many choosing silence over risking backlash.
“They have big businesses, they have to worry about the wrath of Trump, and that's where they have to make a decision: do I succumb to that or do I say no?” he said.
De Niro's comments come a day after he received an honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes, where he used his acceptance speech to call Trump a “philistine” and urge resistance against his agenda — particularly his suggestion of a 100-percent tariff on films produced outside the United States.
“You can't have apathy, you can't have silence,” De Niro said on Wednesday. “People have to speak up and they have to take chances and risk being harassed. You just can't let the bully win, period.”
He also praised U.S. universities and law firms that have challenged Trump’s policies, saying their courage “gives [others] strength to fight.”
Aside from his political remarks, De Niro revealed details about a deeply personal documentary project he's working on with French artist JR. The film explores De Niro’s family history — especially his father, a painter — and includes archival footage and large-scale visuals. It also features an appearance by longtime collaborator Martin Scorsese.
Reflecting on the project's themes and his own mortality, De Niro told an audience in Cannes: “I don't have a choice, so you might as well not be afraid of it.”
(With inputs from AFP)
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