De Niro wanted his podium time to attack a politician. Team Apple, according to Variety, hoped he would do the right thing and keep the focus on what could be one of Scorsese’s last directorial efforts.

Instead, the actor made the moment about himself. It’s the kind of egomaniacal stunt a certain ex-president might admire.

It’s also worth noting that De Niro, like virtually the entire Hollywood industry, has been whisper-silent on the rise of censorship across western culture.

Suddenly, when the actor’s words undergo a nip and tuck, he’s mad as hell and he’s not gonna take it anymore.

[I admit I hadn’t considered that angle. Well done, Christian! — Ed]