De Niro Goes Jake LaMotta on Schwarzenegger at Jewish Charity Event
Image by Getty Images
By Dan Friedman November 5, 2016
Robert de Niro refused to be photographed with Arnold Schwarzenegger over political differences at the VIP cocktail reception for the annual Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Western Regional Gala on November 3.
After some photos had already been taken, de Niro took offence. “If you’re supporting Trump, I want nothing to do with you,” he said, and walked away from the actor-turned-politician. (The photograph accompanying this article comes from the Tribeca Film Festival in 2015.)
Malina Saval in Variety described de Niro’s actions as “channeling his inner Jake LaMotta” — referring to his combative boxing character from “Raging Bull” — as the Italian-American actor refused to even let the former Republican governor of California explain his position.
In a tweet on October 8, Schwarzenegger had made it clear that he would not be voting for Trump, but has not said who he will be voting for.
As proud as I am to label myself a Republican, there is one label that I hold above all else – American. My full statement: pic.twitter.com/biRvY8S3aZ
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) October 8, 2016
Although the event is non-partisan, it was chaired by one of Hillary Clinton’s most important supporters, FIDF national board member Haim Saban and his wife, Cheryl.
This is a moment of great uncertainty. Here’s what you can do about it.
We hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, we’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s independent Jewish news this Passover.
This is a moment of great uncertainty for the news media, for the Jewish people, and for our sacred democracy. It is a time of confusion and declining trust in public institutions. An era in which we need humans to report facts, conduct investigations that hold power to account, tell stories that matter and share honest discourse on all that divides us.
With no paywall or subscriptions, the Forward is entirely supported by readers like you. Every dollar you give this Passover is invested in the future of the Forward — and telling the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
The Forward doesn’t rely on funding from institutions like governments or your local Jewish federation. There are thousands of readers like you who give us $18 or $36 or $100 each month or year.
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
