Showbiz I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice . Robert De Niro has spoken out about Donald Trump 's historic felony conviction.
The former Apprentice star was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying records to cover up hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Daniels alleged she had sexual relations with Trump in 2006, a claim he has continually denied. The ruling makes Mr Trump the first US President to be convicted of a crime and he is scheduled to return to Manhattan court on July 11 for sentencing.
In response to the verdict, De Niro, 80, branded Mr Trump a "crazy" man and claimed he was speaking out about the 2024 presidential candidate to protect the US. Speaking to Variety while promoting his new film Ezra, he said: “I don’t want to be talking, but I am so upset by it. I have to say something.
This is my country. This guy wants to destroy it. Period.
He’s crazy.” The Taxi Driver actor also admitted that he had concerns about his safety due to his outspoken criticism of Mr Trump and his actions. “You think about that.
It makes me more angry,” he continued. “But I have to be afraid to be intimidated. And that’s why I said, you’re not going to intimidate us.
“People are fed up, they’re going to fight back. That’s not what we’re about in this country.” The Oscar winner had previously stood outside the Manhattan courthous.