The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has decided to rescind its planned award for Robert De Niro due to his recent public comments about former President Donald Trump.
NAB’s Bipartisan Stance and Decision
The organization, which prides itself on maintaining bipartisan views, announced on Friday that it would no longer be honoring De Niro with the NAB Leadership Foundation’s Service to America Award. Initially scheduled to receive the award on Tuesday, De Niro’s recent actions prompted the NAB to reconsider their decision.
“This event is proudly bipartisan, uniting those from across the political spectrum to celebrate the impactful work of local broadcasters and our partners,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “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’s Response
Following the NAB’s decision, De Niro expressed his continued support for the organization and its mission.
“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,” he stated.
De Niro’s Public Statements
On behalf of Biden’s campaign, De Niro held an impromptu press conference outside a Manhattan courthouse where Trump’s defense team was concluding their arguments. During this appearance, De Niro made several statements criticizing Trump.
“I hope this new ad campaign reaches outside the bubble to remind supporters of what a danger he is to our lives. This is not a threat. This is our reality. And that’s why I’ve joined the Biden-Harris campaign, because the only way to preserve our freedoms and hold on to our humanity is to vote for Joe Biden for president,” De Niro said while outside of the courthouse.
“I owe this city a lot. And that’s why it’s so weird that Donald Trump is just across the street because he doesn’t belong in my city. I don’t know where he belongs, but he certainly doesn’t belong here,” he continued. “We New Yorkers used to tolerate him when he was just another grubby real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot.”
Source: One America News Network