Robert De Niro is facing unprecedented personal turmoil following the tragic death of his 19-year-old grandson, Leandro, who was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on July 2, 2023, from a drug overdose. The medical report revealed a lethal combination of fentanyl, cocaine, ketamine, and other substances. The young actor, who appeared in “A Star is Born” (2018), had reportedly been following in his grandfather’s footsteps before his life was cut tragically short.
The situation escalated when police arrested a 20-year-old woman, Sophia Haley Marx, accused of selling Leandro counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl. This incident has drawn significant attention to the ongoing opioid crisis in America, highlighting the dangers of fake medications that can lead to fatal consequences.
As De Niro grapples with this devastating loss, he has also been embroiled in a contentious legal battle. In November 2023, a jury found his production company, Canal Productions, liable for gender discrimination against his former assistant, Graham Chase Robinson. The jury awarded Robinson $1.2 million after she alleged harassment and unfair treatment during her 11-year tenure with De Niro. While the actor himself was not found guilty of the accusations, the case has tarnished his reputation and sparked discussions about workplace dynamics in Hollywood.
Adding to the actor’s distress, his partner, Tiffany Chen, revealed in July 2023 that she was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy shortly after giving birth to their daughter, Gia. The condition has left her with facial paralysis, complicating their family life during an already challenging period.
In a rare public moment of vulnerability, De Niro expressed his shock over Leandro’s death, stating, “It’s just a shock; I never thought it would happen.” As he navigates these personal and professional crises, the actor remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, continuing to speak out on political issues, including his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump.
