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De Niro vs. Apple: Allegations of Censorship Spark Controversy Around ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’

Robert De Niro, a name synonymous with acting excellence and unwavering opinions, is embroiled in a fresh controversy. This time, the subject is not Donald Trump (although the underlying spirit might be related), but rather, alleged attempts by Apple, the producers of his acclaimed film "Killers of the Flower Moon," to censor his remarks during an awards ceremony. The actor, known for his outspoken nature, is claiming that Apple sought to tone down his prepared speech at the Gotham Awards, an event preceding the highly anticipated Academy Awards season, potentially dampening his criticisms concerning the content of the film within the context of an educational environment.

The incident, initially reported by The Hollywood Reporter and other outlets, centers around De Niro’s acceptance speech at the Gotham Awards, where "Killers of the Flower Moon" was being honored. According to De Niro, a portion of his speech, written in collaboration with writer Lewis Friedman, contained a pointed observation about the accessibility of the film’s source material to young people in Oklahoma. The line allegedly highlighted the fact that children in Oklahoma were unable to read “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a statement likely intended to spark conversation about the state of education and its link to a historical narrative of significant societal impact.

De Niro, in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, elaborated on the events leading up to the perceived censorship. He explained that after the speech was submitted, a consultant working with the production team raised concerns about the specific line. De Niro maintains that he wasn’t directly informed of these concerns and only realized the change when he viewed the teleprompter during the event.

The plot thickened when De Niro spoke with Martin Scorsese, the legendary director of "Killers of the Flower Moon" and a frequent collaborator with De Niro since their early work together on 1973’s "Mean Streets." Scorsese apparently conveyed that Apple had requested a softening of De Niro’s remarks, couching the request as a matter of "respectfully" dialing down the intensity.

The implication is clear: Apple, heavily invested in the success and prestige of "Killers of the Flower Moon," wanted to avoid any potentially controversial statements that might detract from the film’s awards season prospects or tarnish its carefully cultivated image. The Academy Awards, in particular, are a major marketing opportunity for any film, and a potentially contentious acceptance speech from a prominent figure like De Niro could be seen as a liability.

The incident raises significant questions about artistic freedom and the role of corporate entities in shaping the narratives presented by artists. Is it acceptable for a production company, even one as powerful as Apple, to exert influence over the content of an artist’s speech, especially when the speech touches on issues related to the film itself? The answer, as with many things, likely lies in a complex web of contracts, agreements, and unspoken understandings.

Adding another layer to the story, Apple and the "Killers of the Flower Moon" filmmaking team, including Martin Scorsese, issued a joint statement responding to the allegations, as requested by Gizmodo. The statement attempts to clarify the situation and downplay the notion of censorship.

The statement emphasizes the recognition given to the filmmakers and cast at the Gotham Awards with The Historical Icon & Creator tribute, which Apple and the filmmakers state recognizes significant moments in history, brought to life authentically on screen. According to the statement, the priority was to ensure that the limited time available for the acceptance speech would allow adequate space to acknowledge the Osage collaborators, both on stage and in their community, as well as the contributions of the entire cast and filmmaking team.

Most importantly, the joint statement unequivocally denies any censorship, characterizing the situation as "an unfortunate miscommunication regarding the final version of the speech." The statement concludes by reaffirming Apple’s support as a "tremendous partner" and highlighting the celebratory atmosphere of the event as a reunion for the cast and collaborators following the actors’ strike.

However, this denial doesn’t fully resolve the underlying tension. De Niro’s initial statement and the reported involvement of Scorsese in conveying Apple’s request suggest that there was, at the very least, an attempt to influence the content of his speech, regardless of the label applied to it. The fact that the controversial line was ultimately removed from the teleprompter speaks volumes.

The "Killers of the Flower Moon" controversy comes at a crucial time for the film. While it’s still playing in theaters, it has also become available for streaming on demand, expanding its reach to a wider audience. The question remains whether this incident will have any impact on the film’s reception or its chances during awards season. It will certainly add to the discussion surrounding the film, potentially drawing more attention to its themes and the historical context it explores.

The controversy also underscores the delicate balance between artistic expression and corporate interests in the modern entertainment industry. As streaming services like Apple TV+ become increasingly dominant players, the potential for conflicts of this nature may only increase. Artists, like De Niro, are likely to continue pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable, while production companies will seek to protect their investments and manage their public image. The resolution of these conflicts, and the degree to which artistic freedom is upheld, will shape the future of storytelling in the digital age.