Megyn Kelly, known for her no-holds-barred commentary, addressed the issue on her podcast, sparking widespread media attention. The comment arose while she was discussing Hollywood’s political rhetoric, a topic that often divides both stars and their fans. According to Kelly, De Niro’s outspoken criticism of conservative figures, particularly former President Donald Trump, crossed the line into “intellectual arrogance”. She suggested that his public tirades lacked depth and were more about virtue signaling than meaningful dialogue.
Kelly didn’t mince words. She questioned De Niro’s credibility in political discourse, stating, “It’s one thing to have an opinion; it’s another to make a fool of yourself on national platforms.” Her words were direct, but the implication was clear: celebrities like De Niro, despite their achievements in entertainment, might not always have the expertise or insight to wade into complex political discussions.
This isn’t the first time De Niro has courted controversy with his outspoken views. The Academy Award-winning actor has been vocal in his criticism of Trump and his administration, often using awards ceremonies and interviews as platforms to express his disdain. His infamous “F*** Trump” speech at the 2018 Tony Awards garnered a standing ovation from the audience but also polarized public opinion. For Kelly, this type of behavior isn’t just divisive—it’s “unproductive and embarrassing.”
But is Kelly’s critique fair? Some argue that De Niro, like any citizen, has the right to voice his political beliefs, regardless of how vehemently he expresses them. Others side with Kelly, suggesting that Hollywood stars often alienate large segments of their audience by using their celebrity status to push political agendas.
The timing of Kelly’s comment also raises eyebrows. With De Niro recently in the spotlight for his personal life—welcoming his seventh child at the age of 79—some wonder if Kelly’s remarks were designed to piggyback off his media visibility. Critics of Kelly have accused her of using provocative statements to boost her podcast’s ratings, a strategy she’s been known to employ in the past.
Social media erupted in response to Kelly’s remarks, with hashtags like #TeamDeNiro and #MegynKellyUnfiltered trending on Twitter. Fans of De Niro were quick to defend the actor, praising his career achievements and dismissing Kelly’s comment as “cheap shot journalism.” Meanwhile, Kelly’s supporters applauded her for “speaking the truth” and challenging what they see as Hollywood hypocrisy.
What makes this feud particularly intriguing is the stark contrast between the two personalities. De Niro, with his illustrious career spanning decades, embodies the old guard of Hollywood—a time when actors were revered for their craft, not their political opinions. Kelly, on the other hand, represents the modern media landscape, where polarizing commentary is often rewarded with clicks and views.
Whether you agree with Kelly’s perspective or find it unnecessarily harsh, there’s no denying the conversation she’s sparked. It forces us to ask: Should celebrities use their platforms to advocate for political change, or does their influence do more harm than good in an increasingly polarized world?
For now, both Kelly and De Niro seem unfazed by the backlash. Kelly, ever the provocateur, teased future discussions on Hollywood’s role in politics, promising more “unfiltered truth” for her listeners. De Niro, meanwhile, has remained silent on the matter, perhaps choosing to let his legacy speak louder than any rebuttal ever could.
