Last month the 15th annual Tribeca Film Festival kicked off to much success, yet controversy sparked when the anti-vaccine documentary “Vaxxed” was in the screening lineup. The film was eventually pulled from the schedule after a handful of filmmakers threatened to pull their films out if it was screened. 

In a new interview with Vulture at Cannes, Robert De Niro discussed the documentary’s controversy, how he didn’t understand why people wouldn’t want the film to be shown and how he’s also working on his own vaccine project with Harvey Weinstein. 

“What I learned, first of all, there was a big reaction, which I didn’t see coming, and it was from filmmakers — supposedly, I have yet to find out who it was,” expressed the “Hands of Stone” actor. “I wanted to just know who they were, because to me there was no reason not to see the movie.”

READ MORE: Robert De Niro Pledges to ‘Find the Truth’ About Vaccine...

“Vaxxed” is directed by Andrew Wakefield, former UK surgeon and medical researcher known for his 1998 research paper that claimed a link between vaccination and autism. The research was later declared fraudulent. The controversial topic let to outcries from filmmakers against the project, ultimately leading to its removal from the festival. 

“The movie is not hurting anybody.

Robert De Niro on Vaccines: 'Harvey Weinstein and I Are Working on ...

Anti-Vaccine Doc 'Vaxxed': A Doctor's Film Review | Hollywood Reporter

www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/anti-vaccine-doc-vaxxed-a-882651