George Clooney and Robert De Niro voice support for Meryl Streep after contentious Golden Globes speech

George Clooney and Robert De Niro both came to the defense of their friend Meryl Streep in separate statements on Monday following her contentious acceptance speech at the Golden Globes on Sunday.

At a reception hosted by The Clooney Foundation for Justice, Clooney shared his feelings on Streep's speech -- which garnered harsh criticism and fierce praise on both sides -- with People.

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"I've always said that about Meryl -- she's maybe the most overrated actress of all-time," he said with a sly smile. "She and I worked together on Fantastic Mr. Fox as husband and wife and I will tell you even as a fox, a female fox, she's overrated."

"Aren't you supposed to be running the country?" he asked the president-elect.

See photos of Meryl Streep throughout her career:

De Niro also expressed his support for his four-time costar in an open letter obtained by People on Monday.

"What you said is great," he wrote. "It needed to be said and you said it beautifully. I have so much respect for you that you did it while the world was celebrating your achievements. I share your sentiments about punks and bullies. Enough is enough."

Streep's delivered her speech as she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award, which De Niro himself was awarded back in 2011. It honors lifetime achievement in Hollywood.

In his letter, the actor also noted Streep's "powerful voice" and said that it "inspires others to speak up as they should so their voices will be heard too."

"It is so important that we ALL speak up," he concluded. "We love you. Bob."

See all of the Golden Globes 2017 red carpet arrivals:

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