Robert De Niro chastises reporters monitoring his divorce proceedings: 'You should know better'

Divorce is never easy, especially in the public eye.

Robert De Niro chastised a New York Post photographer who was monitoring his appearance in Manhattan Supreme Court on Tuesday, telling the photog, "You're an old man, you should know better." He also told a reporter, "You're not smart doing your job like this." (The Post covered the encounter on their own site.)

De Niro has avoided speaking publicly about his split from Grace Hightower, whom he wed in 1997. The two share two children, and custody was reportedly negotiated during the 3-hour meeting Tuesday.

He shushed his own lawyers for speaking too loudly as custody arrangements were discussed, according to the Post.

De Niro, 75, and Hightower, 63, avoided eye contact with each other as their lawyers talked. DeNiro read a newspaper throughout most of the conversation and Hightower read a book and was on her phone.

The Oscar-winning actor reportedly walked through the court halls while attempting to shield his face with a hat and his newspaper.

The ex-couple previously attempted to keep their divorce filing under wraps, with De Niro seeking an "Anonymous v. Anonymous" label for the case.

De Niro and Hightower separated in November 2018. Their son, born in 1998, has autism, which De Niro has said sparked his interest in the disorder's causes and treatment. They also have a daughter, now 7, who was born via surrogate.

“Grace and I have two beautiful children together. We are entering a period of transition in our relationship which is a difficult but constructive process,” De Niro said in a statement after news of the split went public. “I honor Grace as a wonderful mother and ask for privacy and respect from all as we proceed to develop our roles as partners in parenting.”