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Robert De Niro’s Daughter Comes Out

BBG News

Robert De Niro expressed his backing for his child, Airyn De Niro, who recently announced her identity as a transgender woman, on the following day.

The Goodfellas star, 81, said he ‘loves and supports’ Airyn, 29, who is one of his seven children. 

In a statement to TMZ on Wednesday, the Oscar winner expressed, ‘I cherished and nurtured Aaron as my child, and now I cherish and nurture Airyn as my daughter.’

The legendary figure stated, “I can’t understand why it’s such a fuss… I adore every one of my kids,” referring to Airyn, who started hormone treatment recently.

Robert De Niro has a 29-year-old daughter named Airyn, who is shared with actress Toukie Smith (age 72), whom he dated from 1988 until 1996. They also have a twin brother together.

His words of encouragement follow after Airyn shared details of her coming-out story in a comprehensive interview with a well-known LGBT publication.

Airyn shared her aspiration to be an inspiring example for women of color in the LGBTQ+ community, as they carve out their unique understanding of attractiveness.

Ava Pauline Emilione was engaged in conversation with her, seated in a café located in Williamsburg, New York. The topics ranged from her preferred video game, her freshly dyed pink hair, all the way to her upbringing as the child of a globally renowned actor.

She stated, “Not only was the information about me incorrect, but their actions made it clear that most folks haven’t a clue about who I am.

She also talked about her parents.

She expressed her gratitude for the fact that her parents chose not to put her in the public eye, preferring a more private upbringing instead. This is despite the fact that no parent is without flaws.

‘They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.’

She then addressed deciding to begin hormone therapy / transition in November 2024.

perhaps there’s still time for me.’

‘Maybe I can start.’

And there was a reason she wanted to address her gender identity.

Airyn points out, ‘It’s one thing to be noticed and another to truly be understood. So far, I believe people have only noticed me, but haven’t really grasped who I am.’

In high school, when Airyn came out as a gay man, he found the queer community to be harsh and unaccepting towards him. He admits that he didn’t meet their idealized physical standards, which typically encompass thinness, whiteness, muscularity, or extreme athleticism, along with a masculine appearance.

Growing up, I was often given feedback that I was either too much or not enough of certain qualities: Too large instead of slim, not dark-skinned enough or light-skinned enough, and perceived as overly feminine rather than masculine. The messages I received were never simply, “You’re perfect just the way you are.

Hormone therapy in November 2024 helped.

She mentions that a significant aspect of her transition is greatly influenced by the impact of Black women.

Adopting this fresh persona, coupled with an increased sense of pride in my African-American heritage, somehow brings us nearer together.

Whenever I’m at a family gathering on my father’s side, people often express their deep affection for my mother, praising her as unforgettable and a source of great joy to my father while they were together, according to Airyn. In this context, it seems that Airyn learned from her mother to embody a joyful, defiant form of womanhood.

‘I want to be like that…I want to be remembered the way that people remember her.’

Airyn remarks, “I often find myself mirroring my mother’s demeanor and the way she interacts with people in public settings, as I recall from my childhood.

Regardless if it’s about showing genuine charisma or avoiding any pretense, the goal is to express femininity in a manner that feels inviting, friendly, and welcoming.

She does not like to be called a ‘nepo baby.’

Airyn explains, “I didn’t grow up watching my father star in his films, accompanying him to business deals, or attending movie premieres. My dad strongly believed in us forging our unique paths.” She adds, “I strive for any achievements I seek to be a reflection of my own hard work and merit.

‘I had two auditions for this video game, League of Legends,’ she shared. 

One of my frequent video game choices with friends is a massive one. When I heard about an exciting opportunity within it, I was thrilled, exclaiming something like, “Wow, that would be amazing! It could make or break me.” Unfortunately, the event didn’t occur as planned. I found myself thinking, “What’s the point?”

Similarly, big auditions can evoke a strong response of, “Oh no, this could have been life-changing, but it seems like I just wasn’t suitable.” Sometimes, it can be challenging not to let that feeling seep into my self-worth.

And she hopes to be a superstar.

She expressed her desire for queer individuals of color and larger-sized people to have role models similar to Alex Consani or Hunter Schafer.

A piece of me has long harbored a desire to pursue modeling, and in some ways, I aspire to walk in my mother’s footsteps. To grace the cover of Vogue alongside her, or to replicate one of her iconic images, would truly realize a lifelong dream for me.

She also addressed mental health.

She expressed the importance of enhancing mental health advocacy and care for individuals identifying as people of color and queer. She expressed optimism about her ability to contribute in this area. She also pointed out that historically, the field has been tailored to white, cisgender heterosexual men, often defining what is considered ‘wrong’ or ‘right’ mentally based on their own perspectives.

And she wants people to understand her pain of growing up.

I yearn for others to perceive me as a person tirelessly striving to mend the scars left by a childhood filled with self-doubt,” I express. “Simultaneously, I aspire to inspire others, helping them discover their own self-worth and self-confidence.

Smith and De Niro welcomed their twin babies through the process of in-vitro fertilization, and these children were brought into the world by a surrogate mother.

After finalizing his divorce with Diahnne Abbott, the pair started seeing each other romantically. Their relationship lasted around eight years.

On an episode of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in 2020, the renowned actor openly discussed the process of bringing up his mixed-race offspring.

De Niro acknowledged that his children are all mixed race, and he sometimes overlooks certain aspects because of it.

He added: ‘When people advise their children to maintain their hands visible and stay calm when approached by police officers, avoiding any sudden movements or hiding their hands, it becomes clear to them why.’

He firmly expressed his viewpoint, drawing attention to discussions about police brutality after George Floyd’s tragic demise. He emphasized, “It’s alarming and needs to be addressed. No one should be in a position where they are causing harm to others without just cause – either self-defense or defending others.

That same year, De Niro reflected on whether his kids feel pressured to follow in his footsteps.

He shared with People that for his children, he advises, “It’s alright if you aspire to be an actor or pursue any other dream, as long as you find happiness.” However, he cautions them not to undervalue themselves. His main piece of advice is simply to strive a bit harder and aim for what they truly desire. He encourages them not to fear taking risks.

He continued: ‘It’s important for them to find their own lane.’

De Niro has two other children as well – a son named Elliot, age 27, and a daughter called Helen Grace, aged 13. He shares these kids with his former wife, Grace Hightower. Additionally, he is the father of Drena, 53, and Raphael, 48, who were born from his previous relationship with Diahnne.

Most recently, he welcomed Gia, 2, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen in April 2023.

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2025-05-01 04:11

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