De Niro, known for his fiery anti-Trump stance, has long been critical of MAGA-aligned figures. His comments about Leavitt weren’t out of character—but they were unusually personal.
“She represents a kind of anti-truth, anti-reason narrative that’s dangerous,” De Niro said. “When we tell young women this is leadership, we lower the bar for everyone.”
Leavitt responded in a statement calling De Niro a “washed-up actor clinging to relevance through outrage.” She also labeled his remarks “sexist and condescending,” fueling even more controversy.
The clash reveals a growing cultural divide between Hollywood progressives and conservative media stars. It’s not just about politics—it’s about who gets to shape the narrative for the next generation.
Supporters of De Niro argue that women in the spotlight carry real influence and responsibility. They believe promoting divisive rhetoric under the banner of empowerment sets a dangerous precedent.
Leavitt’s supporters, meanwhile, argue that she’s being targeted simply for being a successful conservative woman. They say she represents “faith, family, and freedom”—values that Hollywood allegedly detests.
