Robert De Niro's philanthropy award revoked after anti-Trump tirade outside Manhattan court

A broadcasters trade association is pulling a philanthropy award from Robert De Niro after he went on a tirade aimed toward Donald Trump earlier this week on behalf of the Biden campaign. The withdrawal of the award came hours before Trump was convicted on Thursday. 

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) was set to give De Niro the Leadership Foundation’s Service to America Award in a Washington, DC award ceremony on Tuesday, but that award has been revoked, according to The Hill. The group said that the recent comments from the actor would "create a distraction." The "Goodfellas" actor said in his comments that Trump, if elected, "could destroy the whole world" during a press conference outside the courthouse on Tuesday.  

“This event is proudly bipartisan, uniting those from across the political spectrum to celebrate the impactful work of local broadcasters and our partners,” said Alex Siciliano, senior vice president of communications at the association. “While we strongly support the right of every American to exercise free speech and participate in civic engagement, it is clear that Mr. De Niro’s recent high-profile activities will create a distraction from the philanthropic work that we were hoping to recognize. To maintain the focus on service of the award winners, Mr. De Niro will no longer be attending the event.”  

De Niro told The Hill in response to the withdrawal of the award, “I support the work of the NAB Leadership Foundation and would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for what the Foundation has done and will continue to do for the good of us all, and I wish them well for their continued good work.”  

The actor got into a shouting match with Trump supporters outside the courthouse during his rant on Tuesday, with the actor slinging expletives at many with whom he argued. He complained about the "low-lifes for Trump" during the press conference. He added in his speech that Trump wants to take out New York City, destroy the country, "and eventually he can destroy the world." He then added that the 45th president does not belong in the city.   

He added that Trump supporters across the county "bought into his bullsh*t," and that Trump "bought their votes with outrageous lies and empty promises. He got the most religious of Evangelicals to applaud a sinner who bragged about sexual assault and just a couple blocks from here a jury found him liable for sexual abuse."