Megan Kelly, the journalist and television personality, is once again generating a stir with her latest comments about Hollywood icon, Robert De Niro. Former Fox News host and current show host Megan Kelly has found herself at the center of controversy after bluntly labeling the legendary actor as “extremely stupid” during a recent broadcast. This strong opinion has sparked widespread debate, with supporters, critics and industry insiders weighing the passionate exchange that has quickly gone viral.
The controversy arose when Kelly spoke out about De Niro’s recent public statements, which he perhaps felt were politically charged. In particular, De Niro, known for his outspoken liberal views, caused a stir earlier this year when he made disparaging comments about former President Doald Trump. His often critical and harsh comments have put him at odds with many conservative voices, including Kelly, who has always been reluctant to criticize public figures for their controversial statements.
On his podcast, Kelly didn’t mince words when referring to De Niro’s comments. “I honestly think Robert De Niro is extremely stupid,” he said. “For someone who is supposed to be a smart and experienced actor, he certainly lacks common sense when it comes to the world of politics.” Kelly began criticizing the actor, claiming that De Niro’s co-state political relationships are damaging his public image and diminishing his standing in Hollywood. “He’s allowed his personal opinions to tarnish his professional career, and that’s a big mistake for someone who’s worked hard to build a legacy,” Kelly added.
Kelly’s comments quickly gained traction on social media, prompting a flood of responses from both sides of the political spectrum. Kelly’s supporters praised her for speaking out against what they saw as celebrity overreach in political matters. “Megyi is right,” commented one social media user. “De Niro has become a joke with his political diatribes with the state. He has to dedicate himself to action.” Others echoed similar views, agreeing that actors should intervene, not lecture the public about politics.
On the other hand, De Niro’s faces were quick to challenge the Oscar-winning actor, accusing Kelly of being unfair and dismissing his right to free speech. “Robert De Niro has always used his platform to talk about issues that matter to him,” said one Twitter user. “Just because I don’t agree with Kelly’s views doesn’t mean I’m ‘stupid.’ She’s just trying to create drama to get clicks.” May said De Niro, as a public figure with a high-impact career, should be able to express his political views without facing such harsh criticism.
The disagreement between Kelly and De Niro isn’t the first time a celebrity has faced backlash for their political beliefs, nor is it likely to be the last. Hollywood, once regarded as a bastion of liberal ideals, has become a battleground for political discourse, with many stars choosing to align themselves with the left or right. Kelly, who has emerged as an up-and-coming conservative voice in the media, often takes aim at figures like De Niro, who, in his view, have crossed the border by using their celebrity status to push a political trend.
For his part, De Niro has remained largely silent in response to Kelly’s comments. While he has in the past openly expressed his disdain for certain political figures, he has yet to directly address Kelly’s outburst of anger. However, it’s clear that De Niro’s reputation as a political commentator has made him a polarizing figure, with some fans praising his activism and others condemning him as unnecessary.
The confrontation between Kelly and De Niro highlights a more serious problem in today’s media landscape, in which celebrities and public figures are increasingly expected to take political positions and publicly defend their beliefs. While some may argue that public figures have a responsibility to speak out on important issues, others believe they should refrain from using their platforms to push political trends, especially in a way that could alienate their audiences.
At the heart of the controversy is a fundamental difference between opinions about the role of celebrities in politics. Kelly, a former lawyer with a media personality, has always been an advocate for personal responsibility and accountability, especially when it comes to public figures. In his view, De Niro’s public policy statements range from tertiary to more divisive. “When actors like De Niro use their platform to attack others, that only contributes to division in this country,” he argued. “We need to focus on bringing people together, not separating them.”
However, many others believe that celebrities have every right to use their platform to speak out about political issues, especially when it comes to matters of national importance. De Niro, a vocal critic of former President Trump, has often used his celebrity status to amplify his political views, advocating for social justice, climate change actions and the rights of marginalized communities. His outspoken criticism of Trump, in particular, has garnered both praise and condemnation, cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s most politically engaged figures.
For Kelly, however, De Niro’s recent actions are a step too far. “I just don’t think I understand how out of character it’s become,” Kelly said during his broadcast. “He forgot that not everyone agrees with him, and his opinions have alienated a significant part of his audience. In my opinion, it’s a big mistake.”
As the public feud between Kelly and De Niro continues to play out in the media, it highlights the divide that exists in American society over the intersection of politics and entertainment. With both sides entrenched, it seems likely that either side will back down at some point. Whether or not Kelly’s direct statements have damaged De Niro’s reputation remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the debate over celebrity activism and political involvement is far from over.
As for Meghan Kelly, she has certainly made her opinion known. Whether you agree with her or not, her comments about Robert De Niro have certainly sparked a conversation that is likely to last for some time.
