Robert De Niro recently triggered a media storm with a surprising statement during an interview, where he said Elon Musk is not qualified to be a reference model for men. His words immediately caught the attention of fans and critics, fueling a discussion that did not late to become viral. De Niro’s declaration aroused conflicting reactions, but Musk’s response was not long in coming and contributed to further turning on the debate.

During the interview, De Niro openly expressed his opinions on Musk’s influence, believing that his figure, however emblematic in the world of technology and business, was not that of a positive model for men. According to the actor, Musk has often given the impression of being more interested in his personal successes and his public image rather than representing positive values ​​for the new generations. De Niro stressed that the reference models should be people who embody values ​​of responsibility, integrity and social commitment, and not only the push towards economic success at any cost.

De Niro’s statements immediately aroused a strong reaction from Elon Musk. The billionaire, known for his attitude as “supporter of the provocation”, replied with a tweet which, despite being made up of only seven words, had the effect of turning on an even more heated discussion. “Robert, you are just envious, you don’t understand anything,” Musk wrote, in a tone that many have interpreted as sarcastic and ironic. This comment immediately attracted the attention of his followers and the media, who began to speculate on Musk’s real intentions.

Musk’s answer, although apparently dry and without too many laps of words, has done nothing but intensify the visibility of the dispute. Many wondered if Musk really believed that De Niro was “envious” of his success, or if he was trying to minimize the criticisms received. Some played Musk’s words as a defense of his behavior and approach, while others saw in his tweet a sort of admission of frustration, a sign that the figure of Musk was not immune to criticism.

The contrast between the two personalities, one an icon of cinema and the other a successful entrepreneur, has raised questions about what it really means to be a “reference model” in an era in which public figures seem more inclined to promote individual success than to offer positive life models. De Niro, always engaged in social and political causes, represents a more traditional vision of the role of a model, one that must be able to transmit ethical and moral values. On the other hand, Musk, with his unconventional approach to life and work, is often seen as a figure who challenges conventions and who tries to push humanity towards the unknown, with the promise of extraordinary innovations.

In fact, Musk has always maintained a charismatic leader’s position, fueled by its initiatives such as Spacex and Tesla, but also by its continuous interventions on social media, which often raised controversy. It is not a secret that his behavior on social media, his provocative declarations and his not always traditional choices have aroused criticism, but it is equally true that his success has inspired millions of people all over the world. Many see him as a man who challenged the conventions and questioned the system. However, this type of behavior also made it vulnerable to the criticisms of those who, like De Niro, consider that a reference model must embody something more than simple financial successes and innovations.

The dispute between the two is not only a matter of contrasting opinions on who should be considered a model for men, but also reflects a wider vision of contemporary society. In an era in which capitalism and technological industry dominate the world scene, there are those who see in figures like Musk an example to follow, while others consider that its individualistic and often controversial approach should not be exalted as a model of life.

While De Niro continues to represent a traditional model of social and cultural commitment, Musk remains a figure who, however divisive, has shown that vision and determination can lead to extraordinary results. However, the debate on who should be considered a reference model for the new generations will not be easily resolved, and De Niro and Musk’s words are nothing more than the reflection of a wider discussion on the direction that our company is taking.