Robert De Niro is pushing back against the “nepo baby” idea that having a famous parent makes an acting career easy.

The 83-year-old actor supports his children following him into entertainment, but he says talent alone is not enough. The Oscar winner says his children can actually face more pressure because of his success.

Robert De Niro has seven children he shares with different women. Some of his children have followed his path into the entertainment industry while others have built careers elsewhere.

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De Niro supports his children pursuing acting, but he knows firsthand that the industry is difficult. He said opportunities have increased now, unlike when he was young, yet getting acting jobs remains just as challenging. The actor explained that children of famous performers can face added pressure to prove themselves.

People may watch them more closely and expect them to demonstrate that they are serious about the craft. “If you don’t look like you’re really sincere about it and busting your ass and working hard, it’ll have a negative impact,” De Niro said. He added that genuine commitment can eventually work in their favor.

De Niro currently stars alongside Adam Scott in Netflix’s “The Whisper Man.” In the film, Scott plays a man with a subconscious desire to be like his estranged father, reflecting a dynamic both actors have experienced as their children consider acting.

De Niro’s daughter Drena has more than 45 acting credits, including “A Star Is Born” and “Joy.” His son Julian also acted in “In Dubious Battle” and played a young Barack Obama in “The First Lady.” PEOPLE reported that De Niro’s main advice remains straightforward: work hard because you genuinely want the career. 

De Niro’s Daughter Rejected The ‘Nepo Baby’ Label

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Airyn has strongly rejected the idea that her father’s fame handed her an entertainment career. Her comments came after media outlets reported on her transition without contacting her first.

Airyn was photographed visiting her father at The Greenwich Hotel, after which reports focused heavily on her appearance and labeled her a “nepo baby.”

The model said the coverage got information about her wrong and reminded her that people knew very little about her. She explained that her parents deliberately kept her childhood private.

“I wasn’t brought up having a side part in one of Dad’s movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres. My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path. I would want [success] to happen on my own merit,” Airyn said.

In 2025, she also revealed that she had spent seven years pursuing voice acting and modeling. She said she was often rejected or ghosted by casting directors and refused to rely on her father’s influence to get ahead.

Airyn also said being transgender made that process more difficult. She described struggling with body dysmorphia and conflicting expectations about her appearance, saying she was repeatedly made to feel either “too much” or “not enough.”

Airyn began hormone therapy in November 2024. She said she hoped her experience could inspire other Black, queer women who do not fit narrow beauty standards. The Blast reported that Airyn wanted any success she achieved to be on her own merit.

Robert De Niro Supports His Daughter’s Transition 

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“The Wizard of Lies” actor did not treat his daughter’s transition as something that changed his relationship with her. He publicly made clear that his love and support remained intact.

“I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter,” he said. De Niro also questioned why her transition was being treated as such a major issue, adding that he loves all his children.

Airyn said she was grateful that both of her parents had protected her from the spotlight while she was growing up. She credited that privacy with giving her a childhood that was as normal as possible.

After her story became public, Airyn thanked people who supported her. She admitted that she was not accustomed to having so many eyes on her and appreciated those who responded kindly.

She also addressed questions about whether she had talent representation. Airyn explained that she was essentially handling things herself, saying she was “literally just a girl with a phone” and might miss some messages. Her experience also showed why she wanted control over her own story.

After being exposed without her consent, she chose to speak publicly on her own terms and explain who she was beyond being the famous actor’s daughter, as shared by The Blast.

The Oscar-Winning Actor’s Guilt As A Father

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De Niro revealed the difficulties of being a father while maintaining such a demanding career. As a father of seven, he acknowledged that he has some self-doubt when it comes to being a present father. He said there is no secret formula for balancing work and family. The Hollywood actor said it comes down to managing everything and accepting that some moments will inevitably be difficult.

The actor shares seven children with four different women. He adopted Drena after marrying her mother, Diahnne Abbott, in 1976, and later welcomed Raphael with Abbott before they divorced in 1988.

The Blast revealed that De Niro also shares twins Julian and Airyn with former partner Toukie Smith. He later welcomed Elliot and Helen with Grace Hightower, before having his youngest child, Gia, with Tiffany Chen in 2023. 

De Niro has maintained that he has always loved his children. He has also said that he does not believe he put his career above them, even though his work kept him extremely busy. “I was busy, of course, but I always loved my kids,” he revealed in a 2024 interview on “The Chris Wallace Show.”

His approach to parenting has been to support his children while allowing them to find their own way. That philosophy appears to extend beyond acting, as his children have pursued very different paths. 

Robert De Niro’s Children Have Built Lives Beyond His Shadow

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Raphael’s career offers another example of De Niro’s approach to raising children under the weight of a famous surname. Despite having an A-list father, Raphael worked several jobs before entering the real estate industry. He worked folding rugs at a store, served as a production assistant for his father, and worked as a busboy at Nobu. 

The experience gave him responsibility and helped him avoid becoming what his parents feared would be a typical Hollywood child. Raphael eventually entered luxury real estate and also became his father’s business partner—the two co-own The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca with other partners.

Airyn’s experience has followed a different route. She has emphasized that she wants her career and identity to exist independently from her father’s fame, while still recognizing the support he has given her.

She has described De Niro’s support as “nonstop” and said he has been accepting of her identity and choices. Airyn even said he “should be the standard” when it comes to fatherhood.

Robert De Niro being a famous father does not remove every obstacle from his children’s path.

Y’all! Megan Thee Stallion has social media raising an eyebrow after making an appearance that has fans asking questions. While the clip itself is giving plenty of laughs, folks couldn’t help but notice the rapper’s overall look and the energy of the moment.

RELATED: Megan Thee Stallion Gets A Major Sasha Obama Comparison From Michelle Obama In New Clip (WATCH)

Megan’s Latest TikTok Has Fans Doing A Double Take

This week, Megan hit TikTok with a video that appears to recite a meme about a drunk woman talking, all while sitting at a wooden table and sipping a glass of white wine. She rocks straight hair with a middle part, a natural face beat, and a salmon-colored top. Behind her, a friend appears to be lying on a bed and fighting for his life to stay awake as Megan delivers the hilarious moment.

Folks Think Megan May Have Switched It Up

But that’s not what folks are talking about. While Megan looked absolutely beautiful in the video, fans quickly flooded the comments with speculation about whether she may have switched up her look. Some wondered if she got lip filler, while others claimed her top lip appeared to move differently. A few even questioned whether she might have had a facelift or Botox, citing what they felt was a stiffer appearance around her eyebrows. To be clear, though, these are fan theories and speculation — not confirmed details about Megan’s appearance or any cosmetic procedures.

Roomies Took To The Comments To Discuss

Folks wasted no time running to TSR’s Instagram comment section to chop it up about Megan’s latest look. While some were convinced that something looked different, others jumped in with their own theories about what might or might not have changed.

One Instagram user @kikimama_ wrote, “She’s been looking happy and stress free”

This Instagram user @kweenmocha said, “Fillers got her talkin out the side of her mouth like Ernest from Ernest Goes to Camp 😂”

And, Instagram user @biggmarizzzz claimed, “She definitely got face surgery don’t @ me I have eyes 🫠🥴😭😭😭”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @sheismoneyyyyy shared, “Yeaaa idk bout her face 🤔 it’s being pulled back too much”

While Instagram user @parksrochelle commented, “Meg is beautiful. The filler is not needed”

Finally, Instagram user @tazzz.mania added, “That top lip not moving sis. Ion like it 😢”

RELATED: Missing Out? Megan Thee Stallion’s Latest Cooking Video Has Social Media Users Mentioning Klay Thompson & His Dad

An AI-generated clip of G Herbo dancing has Sexyy Red and other internet users crackin’ UP.

RELATED: Ari Fletcher Shows Off Massive New Ring & Some Internet Users Can’t Stop Mentioning G Herbo & Taina Williams (VIDEOS)

More On The AI-Generated Clip Of G Herbo Dancing

Earlier this week, The Shade Room reposted an apparent AI-generated clip that appeared to show G Herbo’s image dancing. In the clip, the AI-generated Herbo donned a leather jacket and pants ensemble, a black shirt, and a beanie while hitting some moves to Grateful’s ‘Bad B****h Anthem.’

Peep the clip below.

AI-Generated Clip Of G Herbo Dancing Has Sexyy Red & Other Internet Users Crackin’ UP

The clip reposted by The Shade Room also contained a screenshot of Herb’s reaction alongside Sexyy Red’s. Herbo appeared unpleased while Sexyy Red appeared to find the clip hilarious. Furthermore, additional comments were shared in TSR’s comment section.

Rapper Made Headlines Amid Recent Cheating Rumors

Weeks before the AI-generated dancing clip, Herbo was making headlines amid cheating rumors. As The Shade Room previously reported, influencer Woo Lady alleged that Tatiana Chanell had been flirting with G Herbo amid his relationship and engagement to Taina Williams. Ultimately, Herbo came forward, calling the allegations lies.

RELATED: Yikes! Taina Williams Breaks Her Silence Amid G Herbo & Tatiana Chanell’s Responses To Cheating Rumors (VIDEO)

There’s a new kind of guy at the bar — and he might be skipping the booze. Whether swapping the usual beer for something alcohol-free on game day or reaching for a whiskey alternative after work, more men are rethinking how alcohol fits into their routines. The goal is to find a better way to enjoy a drink, without sacrificing tomorrow’s plans.

That’s where The Zero Proof comes in. As a specialty retailer dedicated to adult non-alcoholic beverages, the online shop carries more than 400 NA options spanning beer, spirits, wine, aperitifs and ready-to-drink cocktails, giving guys plenty of ways to build an alcohol-free bar that still feels like a bar. From hoppy craft-style beers to sophisticated whiskey alternatives and functional nighttime sips, the lineup is less about what you’re missing and more about what you can pour instead.

Shop The Zero Proof!

For the guy who still wants something cold in his hand during the big game or beside the grill, non-alcoholic beer has come a long way from being an afterthought. The Zero Proof’s lineup spans everything from crisp, easy-drinking lagers to hoppier options that can satisfy even the pickiest craft-beer loyalist. He’s choosing to pour based on taste rather than alcohol content.

Then there’s the liquor cabinet. NA spirits from brands like Sylva, Lyre’s, Gnista and Ritual are designed to bring some of the complexity and ritual of a traditional pour to an alcohol-free drink. Pour one over ice, use it as the base for a cocktail or mix it with your favorite soda and garnish. Suddenly, “I’m not drinking tonight” doesn’t have to mean sipping water while everyone else gets fancy.

For those trying to make their evenings a little more sleep-friendly, The Zero Proof also carries functional beverages designed for winding down. Options like Dromme Calm, Three Spirit Nightcap and Brez Dream incorporate ingredients like L-theanine, kava and other botanicals to help you relax. The retailer is packed with options that fit the lives people truly want to live — whether that means drinking less, skipping alcohol on weeknights or simply waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the next day.

Shop The Zero Proof!

Taylor Swift has quietly stepped in to support a Connecticut mother facing a lengthy recovery after she was struck by a car while helping teenagers involved in a highway crash. The 36-year-old singer donated $50,000 to a GoFundMe created for Ashley Taunton, a certified nursing assistant, wife, and mother of three. The donation came as Taunton continues recovering from several life-threatening injuries she sustained while pushing a teenager out of the path of an oncoming vehicle.

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Swift’s sizable contribution appeared on the family’s crowdfunding page, along with a message wishing Taunton and her loved ones well. TMZ first reported the donation, and PEOPLE later confirmed it.

Taunton was driving along I-95 South in Rhode Island with her youngest daughter in July when she noticed a crash ahead. Rather than drive past, she stopped to offer assistance. “When I see there’s somebody in trouble, I tend to want to go help,” Taunton told PEOPLE.

She parked about 30 yards from the crash and told her daughter to stay in the vehicle while she called Taunton’s husband. Taunton then approached the stranded car, where she found a teenage driver and two other young passengers. According to the mother, the teenagers were “a little bit banged up, but seemed relatively okay.”

Hero Mom Pushed Teen Out Of Oncoming Car’s Path

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The situation changed suddenly when another vehicle lost control on the wet highway. According to a crash report Taunton shared with PEOPLE, the driver hydroplaned while traveling in the second southbound lane of I-95. As the vehicle moved toward the group, Taunton pushed the teenager standing closest to her out of its path. She later learned that his name was Vinny.

Taunton was unable to escape and was struck by the oncoming car. “It just felt like a big explosion,” Taunton told PEOPLE. “I just remember being on the ground and I could see my ankle was just hanging there. I went to try to get up and I couldn’t breathe.”

Her daughter rushed to her side and held her hand until emergency responders arrived. Taunton was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where doctors treated her for bilateral internal carotid artery dissection, liver and spleen lacerations, multiple fractured ribs and a ruptured diaphragm.

At the time she spoke about the collision, doctors had not determined when she would be discharged. Her recovery, including physical therapy, was expected to take up to 12 months.

Ashley Taunton Discovered A Personal Connection To The Teen

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Taunton later learned that Vinny was not a complete stranger. She had met him in 2020 and had been friends with his mother, Jamie O’Rourke, for 14 years. O’Rourke discovered the connection after spotting Taunton’s husband and daughter walking through the hospital.

When O’Rourke learned why the family was there, she realized Taunton was the woman who had pushed her son out of danger. “Jamie just lost it and was like, ‘Oh my gosh, that was Ashley? She saved my son’s life,’ ” Taunton recalled being told.

O’Rourke later praised her friend’s selfless actions while speaking with CBS affiliate WPRI. “She was so courageous to put herself in danger,” she said.

Fundraisers Rally Around The Mother Of Three

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Swift’s $50,000 donation significantly boosted the campaign supporting Taunton and her family. The GoFundMe had raised more than $73,000 as of Saturday, August 29. The financial support is expected to help the family as Taunton faces months of medical care, rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Despite the severity of her injuries, Taunton said she remained grateful to have survived. “I am so in awe of how evident God’s hand has been in all of this,” she told PEOPLE. “He just put all the right people in all the right places.”

The Accident Changed How Taunton Views Life

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Taunton said the ordeal has caused her to reconsider how she spends time with friends and family.

“Life is very busy and it’s easy to postpone plans like, especially with friends and loved ones,” she said. “I don’t want to do that anymore. I want to make sure that I am taking time, even if it’s just going to grab a coffee with a friend, because we never know how you’re going to leave this earth.”

Swift has not publicly commented on the donation.

Somehow, I’ve accumulated so many jeans and far too few tops. A black T-shirt used to be my fallback, but this season, I’m elevating my aesthetic with these chic-looking blouses. You may think I’m stocking up at luxe retailers, but actually, some of the most boutique-like blouses are on Amazon. Bonus: they start at only $7.

Whether your jeans are straight-legged, baggy or tailored, these expensive-looking blouses will instantly upgrade your denim style. Many of my favroites feature fun colors, designer-inspired prints and loose fabrics that flow nicely on the body. No matter which ones you choose, they’ll make you appear rich at brunch or the office (yes, without even trying). Read on to see the chic looks worth stocking up on for late summer, fall and beyond!

17 Boutique-Like Blouses to Pair With Jeans

1. My Favorite: With a frilly mock neckline, eyelet detailing and scalloped hems, this gorgeous blouse hits every note.

2. Fall Florals: This newly launched long-sleeve shirt is destined to sell out. I credit the dreamy floral print and cute button style.

3. European Vibes: Knit fabric screams ‘London rich mom,’ so naturally, this comfy, skin-soft blouse is already in my cart.

4. Could Be Designer: This drapey buttoned shirt is a work of art, featuring a Zimmermann-like print and dramatic lantern sleeves.

5. Simple Stunner: Look no further for a timeless chiffon blouse that looks just as good with trousers as it does with jeans.

Related: Amazon‘s New Releases Hub Is a Goldmine for Old Money Pieces — From $8

I’m always searching for staples that look much more expensive than they are, and I’m shocked by how many gems I discovered on Amazon. For fall, I’m looking for classy East Coast, old money-looking pieces that appear even more luxe than my usual clothes. And thankfully, Amazon’s Hot New Releases section is filled with finds […]

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6. Silky Satin: Everyone’s wearing satin lately, so I’m hopping on the trend with this shiny flutter-sleeve number.

7. Center of Attention: Boho and luxe, this colorful blouse earns its keep for brunches, date nights and school pick-ups.

8. Polka Dots: I saw this polka dot blouse style everywhere in Europe. I didn’t buy it there, so I’m buying it now!

9. Triple Digits: People will think you dropped big bucks on this elegant short-sleeve sweater, especially with its elegant floral motif.

10. East Coast: If you want a casual, everyday top that channels pure Nantucket vibes, this striped short-sleeve pick is it.

11. Under $20: Everything about this mock-neck blouse is swoon-worthy, including the graphic floral print and shirred detailing.

12. On Repeat: I get compliments every time I wear this puff-sleeve blouse. I already have it in pink, so I’m grabbing the khaki style for fall.

13. Minimal Maven: Craving quiet luxury? This cowl-neck blouse takes you from business meetings to cocktail parties.

14. Fun Flutter: Not only does this flutter-sleeve blouse make you appear rich, but it also conceals your upper arms.

15. Capsule Piece: It’s hard to believe this dressy collared blouse is only $7. Hence, I’m grabbing multiples.

16. Tummy-Hiding: Bloated days call for this loose babydoll top that drapes over your tummy without looking frumpy.

17. Best for Last: Rich moms rock ruffles, and this Nashville-style blouse has plenty. I also adore the subtle stripes.

Sofía Vergara knows how to make a spa run look effortlessly chic, and all it takes is the right baggy jeans. For a self-care afternoon, the actress was spotted at Diamond Spa in Beverly Hills, serving effortless downtown-cool energy. This Amazon version has the same vibe, and they’re only $42!

Vergara donned a slouchy long-sleeve top, a white Chanel bag, strappy sandals, and baggy light-wash jeans that instantly stole the show. We’re copying the formula and pairing this relaxed denim look with every top in our wardrobe.

Get the Flamingals Cropped Baggy Jeans for $42 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These Flamingals Cropped Baggy Jeans nail Vergara’s L.A. rich mom aesthetic, with a flattering high-rise waist and a retro barrel leg cut that’s loose through the thigh before tapering slightly at the ankle. Flap pockets give them a subtle utility edge.

Related: Jessica Alba’s L.A. Rich Mom Jeans Are So Polished — 43% Off!

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If you’re curious how Beverly Hills rich moms dress, take a peek at Jessica Alba at any given time. Her pieces are equally laid-back yet luxe, so dark-wash jeans fit right in. Thankfully, they fit into our budgets, too. Alba’s denim look is 43% off right now! Spotted in 90210, Alba paired a silky black cami […]

Better yet, the fabric holds its shape without going stiff, so you get structure and ease in one trendy pair. And like Vergara’s, they have a subtle crop that shows off your shoes. One happy shopper summed it up perfectly: “Love the jeans! They remind me of the painter pants we wore in the 70s.”

Style these baggy beauties like Vergara with a slouchy top and sandals for late-summer brunches, or pair them with a sweater and sneakers for fall errands. Regardless, you’ll channel laid-back Beverly Hills energy with a luxe, celebrity-approved twist.

Get the Flamingals Cropped Baggy Jeans for $42 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more stylish jeans, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Jake Lacy knows he’s developed a reputation for playing characters people love to hate.

Take his iconic turn on the first season of The White Lotus: “When people talk about The White Lotus to me, they typically start [with], “We couldn’t stand your character!”” he exclusively tells Us Weekly in his 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me interview, on newsstands now.

“That, or they throw some family member under the bus,” he continued. “‘You are just like my brother-in-law…’”

Lacy’s latest movie is A Mosquito in the Ear, in theaters now.

Keep scrolling for more fun facts from Lacy – including an iconic email from Diane Keaton he’ll always treasure.

1. When it’s my turn to cook, it’s definitely steak on the grill.

2. When people talk about The White Lotus to me, they typically start [with], “We couldn’t stand your character!” That, or they throw some family member under the bus: “You are just like my brother-in-law…”

3. I just finished [bingeing] Task. I have always loved Mark Ruffalo, but my God, is he good on that show.

4. My celebrity crush growing up was Chilli from TLC.

5. My dad lost his wallet once when we were at the beach. I was probably 6 or 8. A couple found it and knew my grandparents and called. My dad and I drove together to get it, just [us two]… I think about that small moment often.

6. What I remember from my time on Girls was thinking everyone was so nice and talented on a whole other level. I felt like I was trying to keep up!

7. I used to read reviews when I was younger. But that search for acceptance from outside sources leads to insanity.

8. I have two little boys, so most Saturdays are filled with sports and activities and visits to the library.

9. Working on All Her Fault was wonderful. Sarah [Snook] would bring her ukulele, and I would bring this little guitar, and we would pass the time playing together.

10. It’s summer, so the MLB app is getting a lot of use at the moment. I can get the NESN broadcast for all the Sox games.

11. Idon’t do a ton of karaoke, but I go Black Sabbath. Specifically, “War Pigs.” I like it because there’s nothing cute about it. You have to go for it.

12. Everyone was so kind when I started on The Office. It was my favorite show, and I was so nervous to join and looked up to all of them.

13. My favorite comfort meal is Detroit-style pepperoni pizza.

14. My first car was a black ’98 Honda Accord coupe. Stick.

15. I have been so fortunate to travel the world for this job. I got to work in Havana a year and a half ago; my first time in Cuba. It was incredible.

16. I was in William Friedkin’s final movie, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial. He was an amazing guy and an absolute legend.

17. I think I quote Arrested Development more than any movie.

18. I had a meeting with Ivan Reitman about 15 years ago. Ghostbusters was, and is, my favorite movie. And he was so incredibly kind. I didn’t mention Ghostbusters or Stripes or Animal House in the meeting. But before I left, I asked for a piece of paper and wrote him a note thanking him for everything.

19. The book I come back to again and again is Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger.

20. If I wasn’t acting, I’d like to work in historic preservation in coastal New England.

21. “Astral Weeks” by Van Morrison brings back great memories. Some of those songs played during my wedding and it reminds me of being back home.

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22. Diane Keaton sent me a very kind email after she saw a cut of Love the Coopers. She was so cool and generous. It meant so much for her to reach out like that.

23. When I was 17, I was hired to rebuild a mini-golf course at a marina. I had zero experience and zero skills… I smoked a lot of cigs, got a hell of a tan and completed one and a half holes in 10 weeks. 24. I still want to learn Italian. And direct a film — in English.

25. If I’m in a [funk], I’ve got a few friends I call. Guys that can offer up compassion and reality in equal measure.

Viola Davis appears willing to move forward with Target after its controversial Halloween costume sparked outrage. The actress initially rejected the retailer’s apology. However, she now says rebuilding trust will depend on concrete changes, including renewed DEI efforts and stronger support for Black-owned businesses. Over the years, Davis has been upfront in championing Black causes, advocating for equal pay for Black actresses, and revealing how she’s been turned down for roles because of her color.

Viola Davis has finally de-escalated her criticism of Target, opening the door to forgiveness after previously rejecting the retailer’s apology over an offensive Halloween costume.

The Oscar winner was approached at LAX on Friday and asked whether Target could regain consumers’ trust following the controversy. Davis told TMZ that forgiveness is possible, saying, “There is always room for forgiveness. There is… In my world.”

However, the actress said she believes the company needs to demonstrate meaningful change. Among the steps she wants to see are restoring diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and providing greater support for Black-owned businesses.

Davis also made it clear that Target must ensure similarly offensive products do not make it onto shelves again.

Davis Previously Rejected Target’s Apology

Before softening her stance, Davis publicly rejected Target’s apology for its Halloween howler, slamming the company for the act and accusing it of ignoring the pain that followed.

The EGOT winner took to her Instagram page on Tuesday to share screenshots of an article conveying the retail giant’s apology, and another about how the controversy stemmed from the backlash over the unsettling children’s Halloween costume and the racist caricature it resembled.

“Target, I do not accept your apology, and I do not believe that you understand the impact… the pain… the dehumanization of the above,” she wrote in the caption.

“These images laid the foundation and the ideology for every atrocity that has been committed against my people. We MATTER!! You have shown us that you are not on OUR side,” she concluded.

Target Admits Halloween Costume Was ‘Offensive’ And ‘Hurtful’

The retailer has since pulled the “offensive” product from its online offerings and physical locations, admitting in a statement that it was “hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners,” without providing further details.

“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” Target said. “The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment.”

“Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again,” they added.

Target Faces Fresh DEI Backlash Amid Costume Controversy

Images circulating online show that the controversy began when the company posted an item titled the “Kids’ Glows under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume.”

The listing showed a photo of a young Black child wearing an orange-and-black jumpsuit, black gloves, and a mask with an exaggerated, wide-toothed grin.

The incident comes at a sensitive moment for the retail giant, which has faced backlash and consumer pushback after scaling back several of its corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, per the BBC.

Viola Davis Has Never Shied Away From Black Issues

Over the years, Davis has remained outspoken about Black causes, advocating in 2020 that Black actresses get the same pay as their white counterparts.

“I want, and I expect to get the same filet mignon that white actresses get, cooked at the exact temperature,” she told InStyle magazine. “You cannot throw me a bone with a really nice little piece of meat still on it and expect that’s good enough for me.”

“I love my collard greens and all of that, and I know we were given the leftovers,” she added. “I know how to cook that, but I want a filet mignon.”

She went on to describe how tough it is for actresses to discuss how much they earn among themselves because of “ego,” and how people then realize they were making much less than assumed.

The Woman King star then added that she was advocating for “solidarity with everyone — solidarity with Caucasian women and women of color.”

“The differences in pay and the lack of access to opportunities are huge. I fully expect changes. I’m trying to lift my hopes up,” she said.

When it comes to the crime genre, it doesn’t get much more popular than gangster movies. There’s something that audiences find endlessly compelling about these kinds of criminals and the codes they live by. Their stories are violent, thrilling, sometimes funny and other times downright bizarre. Whether it’s films that are based on real-life gangsters or completely fictional ones, audiences can’t seem to get enough.

Organized crime, the mob, the mafia, the Outfit, the Five Families, and a whole slew of other criminal enterprises have been inspiring compelling entertainment for decades upon decades. Some of the greatest directors of all time have taken a shot at making a gangster movie, and some have taken so many shots that their careers look like Sonny’s car in The Godfather. Many gangster movies are good, some are great, and some are perfect from the first scene to the last.

‘Scarface’ (1932)

Image via United Artists

While its title has become synonymous with the Brian De Palma-directed remake starring Al Pacino, the original Scarface is the most perfect pre-Code gangster movie ever made, a seminal tale that inspired and influenced dozens of movies. Directed by Howard Hawks, it was based on the novel by Armitage Trail, which itself was inspired by the most famous gangster of all time, Al Capone. The film was considered shockingly violent for the time and still packs a punch today.

Paul Muni plays Tony Camonte, an immigrant and enforcer in the Chicago mob. The film follows a standard rise and fall narrative, as Tony kills off his rivals and becomes the city’s most powerful crime boss before going down in a hail of bullets. Many of the standard tropes of the gangster subgenre were established in Scarface, while Hawks’ moody direction and use of black humor would influence filmmakers like De Palma and Martin Scorsese. There were classic gangster movies made before Scarface and many made after it, but its perfection has never been questioned.

‘White Heat’ (1949)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Few gangster protagonists from the Hays Code era are more ruthless than Cody Jarrett, the bank-robbing psychopath played by James Cagney in White Heat. Cagney had already appeared in a number of gangster movies by the time he took the role of Jarrett, but White Heat would eclipse all of them, and every other film, in his long and storied career.

Jarrett is a violent gang leader with some serious mommy issues. After he and his gang pull off a train heist, he pleads guilty to a different crime to avoid getting pinched for the robbery. When his Ma is murdered by his former associates, Jarrett breaks out of prison with the help of an undercover agent. With the police in hot pursuit, the film ends with an iconic fiery climax featuring Cagney’s famous “Top of the world!” line. Directed by the prolific Raoul Walsh, White Heat is a perfect gangster noir with a perfect gangster performance.

‘The Godfather’ (1972) & ‘The Godfather Part II’ (1974)

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After the Production Code withered and died in the ’60s, crime films began to depict the kind of bloody violence that had only been hinted at before. Bonnie and Clyde was a landmark crime film that broke many cinematic taboos with its violence and precipitated the New Hollywood era, which led to Francis Ford Coppola‘s essential gangster saga The Godfather. The original classic and its sequel are considered among the greatest American films ever made, and the two films are so entangled together that they’ve often been edited together and released as one epic feature.

Charting the rise of the Corleone family in America, from young Vito’s childhood as an immigrant to his son Michael’s succession of him as the head of their criminal empire, together the films tell a complete tragedy. So much of the language, style and character elements that would define the modern gangster film were established here by Coppola and his perfect cast. Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro give dual Oscar-winning performances as Vito at different stages of his life, while Al Pacino plays Michael’s entire rise to power, alongside James Caan as his brother Sonny, Robert Duvall as consigliere Tom Hagen, Diane Keaton as his suffering wife Kay, and John Cazale as poor Fredo.

‘Battles Without Honor and Humanity’ (1973)

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While Coppola was in the midst of creating his American crime saga, in Japan, director Kinji Fukasaku was creating his own with the five-film yakuza series Battles Without Honor and Humanity. The first film in that saga is often considered the greatest yakuza film ever made. The film is dense with the details and traditions of the Japanese underworld and, like The Godfather, it ushered in the modern era of yakuza films.

Bunta Sugawara plays Shozo Hirono, a war veteran sent to prison for killing a yakuza member. Inside, he befriends another yakuza member and, upon his release, joins a crime family. From there, the film is an escalating series of violent betrayals and criminal machinations, and it’s only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the larger saga. Battles Without Honor and Humanity is an epic crime film in every sense of the word, and for any crime film fans who are only acquainted with stateside gangster movies, it’s the perfect entry into yakuza cinema.

‘The Long Good Friday’ (1980)

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Japan isn’t the only other country to have a rich history of gangster cinema. Britain has contributed a number of its own brand of underworld associates. There are ’70s classics like Get Carter and more modern films like Sexy Beast, but the most perfect British gangster film is The Long Good Friday. Starring Bob Hoskins in an iconic performance as a crime boss who gets more trouble than he bargained for when he tries to go legitimate, it’s a crime thriller that proves that things are just as vile and violent on the other side of the pond.

Hoskins plays Harold Shand, a gangster with delusions of grandeur and plans to develop the London Docklands with money from an American investor he’s courting. His plans get cocked up when his associates start to get violently killed off by unknown assailants, sending Harold on a day-long odyssey of violence while trying to maintain professional appearances. Hoskins is of perfectly coiled intensity in the role, with Helen Mirren just as wicked by his side. The Long Good Friday is best remembered for its iconic cynical ending, but the entire journey to get there is just as perfect.

‘Once Upon a Time in America’ (1984)

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Robert De Niro broke out in his criminal role in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets, which convinced Francis Ford Coppola to cast him in The Godfather Part II in the role that won him an Oscar, but his first leading role in a gangster movie came with Sergio Leone‘s Once Upon a Time in America. As the final epic film from the influential director, its legacy was complicated by the American distributors who re-edited the film against Leone’s wishes and removed over an hour of footage from it. It has since been restored, and the uncut version represents the most perfect epic gangster film ever made.

De Niro plays Noodles, a Jewish youth who comes of age in New York City in the early 20th century and, along with his friend Max (James Woods), rises to power as a prominent gangster. More than just a rise and fall arc, the film is a tapestry of American crime, chronicling the major historical events that shaped both the city of New York and its underworld. Shot on locations around the world, and with massive sets built in Rome, Once Upon a Time in America has a scale almost unmatched in any other gangster film, and it’s a perfect swan song for Leone.

‘The Untouchables’ (1987)

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De Niro plays Capone in Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables, but the focus of the film is all on the cops in this perfect popcorn movie. Inspired by the true story of the men who brought down the most notorious gangster, the film invents a wildly entertaining plot filled with action, sharply written dialogue by David Mamet, a sweeping score by Ennio Morricone, and a terrific cast. Its status has since risen much higher since its initial release, representing the kind of handsomely produced adult-oriented blockbuster that Hollywood barely makes anymore.

Kevin Costner plays Elliot Ness, the federal agent tasked with taking down Capone in Chicago, a task easier said than done in a city filled with corruption. To combat the criminals, Ness enlists the help of veteran cop Malone (Connery), as well as an accountant and a hotheaded rookie. The cast is immaculate from top to bottom, and De Palma gives the film a sweeping style, with great use of real Chicago locations. The standout sequence is the train station shootout, which is a perfect sequence of suspense.

‘Miller’s Crossing’ (1990)

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The Coen Brothers are well associated with the crime genre, having directed a number of neo-noir masterpieces. Included in that list is their one and only gangster film, Miller’s Crossing. A feature-length homage to the work of hard-boiled novelist Dashiell Hammett, it’s an impossibly stylish crime film filled with some of the Coens’ most crackling dialogue and their most devilish characters.

Gabriel Byrne is the film’s antihero, Tom Reagan, the most trusted confidant of Irish crime boss Leo O’Bannon (Albert Finney). When a mob war threatens to erupt, Tom plays every angle and pits his enemies against each other to come out on top. Bodies pile up, doubles are crossed, and backs are stabbed as the Coens unleash their full visual flair. Miller’s Crossing came out the same year as several prominent gangster films and was unfortunately overshadowed by them, but it’s as perfect a film as the Coen Brothers ever made, which is certainly nothing to sneeze at.

‘Goodfellas’ (1990)

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As perfect as Miller’s Crossing is, it’s still not as good as the best gangster movie released in 1990, and, for this writer’s money, the greatest gangster movie ever made, Goodfellas. Martin Scorsese is the filmmaker most synonymous with the genre. He directs from experience, having grown up in Little Italy in New York City and witnessing much of the organized crime and the violence it wrought right outside his window. Any of his movies could fill a spot here, but Goodfellas is his greatest cinematic achievement.

Based on the non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, which chronicles the life of gangster Henry Hill, the film is a criminal portrait of the work-a-day gangster. The wiseguys in this movie aren’t the powerful bosses sitting in opulent offices but streetwise hustlers and thieves who run schemes and shakedown businesses. Ray Liotta plays Hill with a livewire energy, while Robert De Niro returns to the genre as the old pro, but it’s Joe Pesci who runs away with the film (and an Oscar) as Henry’s friend with a hair-trigger temper. The energy of the actors is matched in every frame by Scorsese’s bravura filmmaking, Thelma Schoonmaker‘s rapid-fire editing and a classic soundtrack.

‘City of God’ (2002)

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Goodfellas might be the greatest gangster movie ever made, but it was far from the final word on the genre. The ’90s were filled with new crime classics, and the 21st century has seen all sorts of unique variations to the format. Many of them bear the influence of filmmakers like Scorsese, none more so than the Brazilian crime epic City of God. Set in the titular slum of Rio de Janeiro, the film charts the rise of organized crime and its cycle of violence through the eyes of its residents.

Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues) and Li’l Ze (Leandro Firmin) are youths raised in the favelas, their lives shaped by the crime that surrounds them. Rocket grows up to become a photographer, chronicling the gang wars, while Li’l Ze becomes a ruthless drug lord. The violence comes fast and furious in the film, and it’s unflinchingly depicted. City of God has been criticized for its crime-ridden depiction of the city, and applauded for bringing more film productions to it. Co-directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film has breathless pacing and boundless energy, surging through its decades-spanning narrative with blunt force.