'Forever Iron Man' Robert Downey Jr. (RDJ, 61) is facing backlash after unleashing harsh criticism toward social media influencers. Debate is heating up over whether the Oscar-winning actor's remarks reflect his convictions or constitute a tone-deaf gaffe by an out-of-touch elder.
On the 7th (local time), according to foreign outlets including the Daily Mail, Robert Downey Jr. recently appeared on the podcast Conversations for our Daughters and spoke bluntly about the standards of fame in the modern entertainment industry.
That day Downey Jr. reacted cynically to the recent trend of gaining fame with just a smartphone. He opened by saying, "These days people can become famous without doing much other than holding a phone up to themselves and filming."
In particular, addressing views that influencers will become future stars, he delivered a blunt rebuke, saying, "I don't know what kind of world we live in, but I think that's complete 'nonsense.'"
He also mentioned his experience of his 14-year-old son Exton being exposed to a culture in which he received sponsorships while streaming games, adding the provocative analogy, "today's influencers are like the 'evangelical con artists' of the information age."
But the public reaction to the actor's harsh remarks has been cold. On social media, criticism has poured in that his comments are excessively elitist and dated.
"It's like watching an old man yells at clouds," "As someone from Hollywood 'nepo baby' stock, do you have the right to disparage those who built influence from the ground up?", "You used the notoriety from past drug and legal problems to make a comeback yourself, yet call influencers con artists—hypocritical." Opinions like these followed, and some internet users pointed out the privileges he gained growing up in an entertainment industry family and urged recognition of the influence of influencers who are filling spaces left by stars from working-class backgrounds.
Downey Jr. reached a career high by winning the Academy Award for best supporting actor for the 2023 film Oppenheimer. But because of his recent remarks, the prevailing reaction is, "We acknowledge he is a talented actor, but it's regrettable that he seems unable to accept changing times."
[Photo] OSEN DB
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