Robert De Niro Publicly Supports Daughter Airyn After She Comes Out as Trans: “I Don’t Know What the Big Deal Is”
Posted on May 1, 2025, 5:12 am
Robert De Niro is standing proudly by his daughter, Airyn De Niro, who recently came out as transgender in a heartfelt interview with Them.
“I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter,” De Niro told Deadline. “I don’t know what the big deal is . . . I love all my children.”
Airyn, who is one of the seven children De Niro has, shared her story publicly for the first time, reflecting on a childhood largely shielded from the spotlight thanks to her parents’ efforts. Born to actress Toukie Smith and De Niro, Airyn also has a twin brother, Julian.
In her interview, she expressed what visibility truly means: “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen.”
Support quickly flooded in on social media, prompting Airyn to thank everyone and share, “I’m literally just a girl with a phone.” She also credited trans trailblazers like Laverne Cox for inspiring her courage, to which Cox responded with public love and affirmation.
With grace and honesty, Airyn De Niro is stepping into the light—and her family is walking beside her.
