An unexpected event rocked the 2025 Oscars when Robert Downey Jr. impulsively called Elon Musk a “bastard” on the main stage. The incident occurred when Downey, who had just received the Best Actor award for his role in the film The Brutalist, was expressing his thoughts when he suddenly turned to Musk, who was present in the VIP seating in the audience. No one expected that a night dedicated to honoring cinema would become the center of a battle between the two most famous figures in the world. Downey, with the familiar punchline, seemingly unable to control his emotions when he mentioned Musk, which he reportedly said, “said but less” in a short but heavy comment.
Elon Musk’s reaction immediately became the highlight of the night. Instead of staying silent or walking away, the tech billionaire stood up, pointed at Downey and shouted, “Just try what you do, Tony Stark!” The line, both satirical and reminiscent of Downey’s role as a symbol in the MCU, sent the audience into chaos. Some laughed, while others were stunned by the unexpected tension. The camera quickly turned to stars like Ariana Grande and Timothee Chalamet, who stared wide-eyed at the rare scene. Host Conan O’Brien tried to calm the situation with a joke, but obviously no one could calm the mood at that moment.
The incident quickly spread across social media, with millions of followers reporting the collision. Downey’s fans said he was just telling the truth, while Musk’s supporters responded that it was an unprofessional act at a prestigious event. While the root cause of the disagreement has not been clarified, many speculate that it stems from previous disagreements between the two men over technology and influence. Either way, this moment made the 2025 Oscars an unforgettable night, not only for the awards show but also for the drama at the top of the script between the two giants of Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Could this be the beginning of a long battle between them? Only time will tell.
