After announcing that it would bestow Robert De Niro with its Service to America Leadership Award, the NAB Leadership Foundation has said he will not be at the ceremony to receive the honor.
De Niro spoke outside of the New York courthouse where former President Donald Trump is on trial facing charges of falsifying business documents. However, the actor clashed with protestors as he strongly rebuked the former President.
In response, the NAB Leadership Foundation claimed that the awards event is “proudly bipartisan.”
“The Celebration of Service to America Awards is dedicated to honoring the vital local journalism and public service that local radio and television stations provide to their communities,” the NAB said. “This event is proudly bipartisan, uniting those from across the political spectrum to celebrate the impactful work of local broadcasters and our partners.
“While we strongly support the right of every American to exercise free speech and participate in civic engagement, it is clear that Mr. De Niro’s recent high-profile activities will create a distraction from the philanthropic work that we were hoping to recognize. To maintain the focus on service of the award winners, Mr. De Niro will no longer be attending the event.”
In spite of De Niro’s absence, the Service to America Leadership Award event will be held at The Anthem in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, June 4th.
“We look forward to a night of celebration honoring the exceptional work of broadcasters and our partners who make a difference in their communities every day,” the NAB said.
