Robert De Niro has publicly affirmed his support for his transgender daughter, Airyn De Niro, following her recent coming out as a transgender woman. The 81-year-old actor stated he “loves and supports” Airyn, one of his seven children.
In a statement to TMZ on Wednesday, the Oscar winner said, “I loved and supported Airyn as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter.” De Niro also commented on the public attention, adding, “I don’t understand why all this fuss is being made… I love all my children.” The article notes that Airyn began hormone therapy last year.
De Niro’s statement follows a lengthy interview Airyn gave to an LGBT magazine, where she discussed her path to self-acceptance. Airyn expressed her hope to serve as an inspirational role model for queer women of color who define their own beauty standards.
