Robert De Niro stripped of leadership award following fiery anti-Trump speech

Movie legend Robert De Niro has been stripped of a prestigious leadership award after his fiery speech outside the Donald Trump “hush-money” trial was deemed a “distraction” by organisers.

A jury convicted former president Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment to adult star Stormy Daniels in the run-up to the 2016 election. Ms Daniels says that they had a sexual encounter in 2006, which the former president denies.

De Niro, 80, was invited by Trump’s opposition team, Joe Biden’s presidential campaign to say a few words at a press conference outside the courthouse. He called the former Home Alone 2 star a “tyrant” and has been vocal in his criticism throughout the proceedings, even issuing a response following the verdict.

“When Trump ran in 2016 it was like a joke,” he said in a speech during the case. “This buffoon running for president. No, never could happen. We have forgotten the lessons of history that showed us other clowns who weren’t taken seriously until they became vicious dictators. With Trump, we have a second chance, and no one is laughing now.”

The Oscar-winning actor was due to attend the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation’s Celebration of Service to America Awards next week where he was due to receive their highest honour. The Goodfellas star was to be awarded the 2024 Service of Leadership Award in recognition of his charitable work and public service.

However, his invite to the ceremony has now been rescinded, accordingto The Huffington Post.

The Independent has contacted De Niro’s team for comment.

“The Celebration of Service to America Awards is dedicated to honoring the vital local journalism and public service that