Tensions began to mount when De Niro, known for his outspoken opinions and strong personality, appeared on The View to discuss his latest film and his thoughts on social issues. The conversation quickly turned to the realm of technology and its influence on modern society.

De Niro, 80, didn’t hold back. “People like Elon Musk think they’re above the rest of us,” he said, his voice laced with disdain. “He’s just another billionaire bastard who doesn’t care about the consequences of his actions.”

The comment prompted gasps from the live audience, while The View hosts struggled to get the conversation back on track. But the damage was done, and social media erupted in backlash.

Musk, never one to shy away from controversy, quickly took to Twitter, his favorite platform for addressing public disputes. Less than an hour after the episode aired, Musk posted a terse, eight-word response that sent shockwaves across the Internet:

“Robert De Niro should focus on acting better.”

The tweet instantly went viral, racking up millions of likes, retweets and comments within minutes. Musk’s choice of words, equal parts scathing and dismissive, sparked intense debate.

The Musk-De Niro showdown has ignited a firestorm of opinion. Fans of the actor praised his candor and hailed him as a voice of reason in a world dominated by tech moguls. “De Niro said what we all thought,” one commenter wrote. “Musk’s ego needs to be reined in.”

On the other hand, Musk’s supporters rallied around the billionaire, applauding his ingenuity and resilience. “De Niro just made a meanie,” one follower tweeted. “Musk is out here building the future, and this guy is stuck in the past.”

The polarized reactions highlight the growing cultural divide over the role of billionaires like Musk in shaping the future. While some admire his ambitious vision for humanity (whether through Tesla, SpaceX or Neuralink), others criticize his brash personality and controversial decisions.

This is not the first time Musk has been embroiled in a public dispute. From clashes with politicians to barbs with fellow billionaires, Musk has earned a reputation for fearlessly confronting his critics.

De Niro, for his part, has long been an outspoken critic of figures he perceives as abusing power or influence. His history of fiery political commentary has often generated both admiration and criticism, cementing his status as a polarizing figure in Hollywood.

The entertainment and tech industries have remained relatively quiet on the dispute, though some notable figures have weighed in. Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, tweeted: “Two legends, two industries, one big misunderstanding. Let’s focus on solutions, not insults.”

Actress and activist Jane Fonda, who has worked with De Niro, told reporters: “Robert speaks his truth, and it is always rooted in his passion for equity and justice. But I hope we can all have more constructive conversations.”

As the dust begins to settle, questions remain about the long-term implications of this dispute. Will it spark a broader dialogue about the responsibilities of tech leaders in society? Or will it simply fade into the annals of celebrity drama?

For now, both Musk and De Niro seem unfazed. Musk’s Twitter activity has returned to its usual mix of futuristic musings and memes, while De Niro continues to promote his latest film with the same intensity that has defined his decades-long career.

Whether this exchange marks the beginning of a deeper cultural debate or just another fleeting moment in the 24-hour news cycle, one thing is certain: both men remain firmly in the public eye, demanding attention and controversy wherever they go.