Robert De Niro Defends Joy Behar, Criticizes Elon Musk on The View: ‘He Doesn’t Deserve Your Trust’

Hollywood icon Robert De Niro has never shied away from speaking his mind, and his latest appearance on ABC’s The View was no exception.

The Oscar-winning actor passionately defended longtime co-host Joy Behar while directing sharp criticism at billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk.

A Heated Exchange on The View

During a recent episode of The View, De Niro appeared as a guest to discuss his latest film and share his thoughts on current affairs. However, the conversation quickly took a turn when the topic of media credibility and social influence came up.

Behar, a veteran co-host known for her outspoken liberal views, has faced criticism from various political and media figures over the years.

While discussing the impact of misinformation on social media, she brought up Musk’s role in shaping digital discourse, particularly since his acquisition of X (formerly Twitter).

De Niro immediately jumped to her defense, expressing concerns about the Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s growing influence.

De Niro’s Scathing Remarks on Musk

“People like Elon Musk have too much power, and they don’t deserve your trust,” De Niro stated emphatically. “He’s turned Twitter into a playground for misinformation and conspiracy theories. It’s dangerous.”

The Goodfellas star continued by emphasizing the need for responsible leadership in both media and technology.

“The public should be able to trust the people controlling these platforms, but instead, we get chaos and manipulation. That’s not leadership—it’s recklessness,” he added.

Behar’s History of Outspokenness

Behar, who has co-hosted The View for over two decades, is no stranger to controversy.

She has consistently been a vocal critic of figures who promote misinformation, particularly in politics and business. While some admire her candor, others accuse her of pushing a partisan agenda.

De Niro, however, was unwavering in his support. “Joy tells the truth, and that’s why they go after her,” he said. “They don’t want people hearing the truth because it challenges their power. But I say, keep going, Joy.”

Musk’s Controversial Media Influence

Since acquiring Twitter in 2022, Musk has made sweeping changes to the platform, including reinstating previously banned accounts and adjusting moderation policies.

While his supporters praise his commitment to free speech, critics argue that his decisions have led to an increase in hate speech and misinformation.

Musk has also been known to use his platform to challenge mainstream media narratives, often calling journalists and public figures “biased” or “corrupt.” His tendency to engage in online feuds has drawn both admiration and backlash, creating a polarized perception of his leadership.

Hollywood vs. Big Tech: A Growing Divide

De Niro’s criticism of Musk is the latest example of an ongoing clash between Hollywood figures and tech billionaires.

Many in the entertainment industry, particularly those with progressive political leanings, see Musk’s actions as harmful to democracy and media integrity.

“People need to wake up and see what’s happening,” De Niro warned. “The truth is under attack, and we have to fight for it. That’s why voices like Joy’s are so important.”

Musk’s Response: Silence or Retaliation?

At the time of writing, Musk has not publicly responded to De Niro’s remarks. However, given his history of responding to critics—sometimes with humor, other times with direct confrontation—it remains to be seen whether he will address the controversy.

Social media reactions have been divided, with some praising De Niro for speaking out and others defending Musk’s right to run his platform as he sees fit.

The debate highlights the broader tension between traditional media and the ever-growing influence of social media giants.

Conclusion: A Clash of Ideologies

Robert De Niro’s fiery defense of Joy Behar and his scathing critique of Elon Musk reflect a deeper cultural and ideological divide.

As technology continues to reshape public discourse, figures from different industries will inevitably clash over issues of trust, influence, and responsibility.

Whether or not Musk chooses to engage in this latest controversy, one thing is certain: the conversation about media, power, and accountability is far from over.