De Niro serves up Trump roast
Actor blasts ‘idiotic’ president while in T.O. for Nobu groundbreaking
At the groundbreaking of his new restaurant in Toronto on Monday, actor Robert De Niro did not hold back when it came to criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump.
“A note of apology for the idiotic behaviour of my president. It’s a disgrace and I apologize to Justin Trudeau and the other people at G7. It’s disgusting,” It’s De Niro said to applause outside what will be Nobu Restaurant, Hotel and Residences on Mercer St.
De Niro’s statement followed his appearance at the Tony Awards on Sunday night, where he received a standing ovation after a screed in which he declared, “F--- Trump,” and a tumultuous weekend at the G7 summit in Quebec. Mayor John Tory was among the dignitaries at Monday’s groundbreaking, and couldn’t resist referencing Sunday’s outburst by the Academy Awardwinning actor.
“Sir, with regard to the comments in the news today, I have only two words to say: Thank you,” Tory said to De Niro. Jazz and Motown music played as guests waited for De Niro, chef Nobu Matsuhisa and other Nobu executives to arrive. The carefully orchestrated event was overseen by security guards and police officers, and Japanese drummers got it off to a banging start.
The residences associated with the restaurant development sold out in three months, said CEO Trevor Horwell.
Afterwards, Tory told reporters De Niro’s “strongly held views” resonated with Canadians.
“A lot of Canadians would be more than a bit upset at the kind of attitude portrayed towards Canada,” Tory said, re- ferring to what Trump and White House officials said following the G7 summit. “When somebody is taking on Canada, they’re taking Toronto on too … but you won’t hear any f-bombs from me.”
Tory attempted to keep the news conference on track and, despite questions about Trump and Ontario premier-designate Doug Ford, said Monday was about “celebrating” the Nobu project investment.
He did concede De Niro, with his “strongly held views” about Trump, deserves “earnest consideration” for a key to the city.
Tory also spoke highly of Ford, with whom he had a “cordial” telephone conversation on Friday. The two text regularly.
“He lives in Toronto. I live in Toronto. He wants to build transit. I want to build transit. I think that’s a really good prescription to get things built,” said Tory.
As for Nobu food, Tory didn’t get a chance to taste any, as he was headed back to work.
“I did try a bit of the sake,” he said, referring to the Japanese alcoholic beverage, “but don’t get me trouble for that. It was just a taste.”
“A note of apology for the idiotic behaviour of my president. It’s a disgrace and I apologize to Justin Trudeau and the other people at G7.” ROBERT DE NIRO IN TORONTO