Renowned actor Robert De Niro has issued a statement about his daughter Airyn, who recently came out as transgender.

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Robert De Niro Issues Statement After His Child Comes Out As Transgender

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10:11 02 May 2025


Renowned actor Robert De Niro has issued a statement about his daughter Airyn, who recently came out as transgender.

De Niro, known for his roles in The Godfather Part II and Raging Bull, made these comments after Airyn opened up about her gender transition in a new interview with Them.

Airyn, 29, began hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in November of last year and described how seeing trans women share their experiences online helped her realize it wasn’t ‘too late’ for her to begin her journey.

Hormone replacement therapy plays a vital role for many in the transgender community, assisting individuals in aligning their physical appearance with their gender identity.

For Airyn, hearing stories of authenticity and courage from others became a source of inspiration and affirmation.

Airyn
Airyn, 29, began hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in November of last year and described how seeing trans women share their experiences online helped her realize it wasn’t ‘too late’ for her to begin her journey. Credit: @voiceofairyn/Instagram

Speaking with Them, Airyn revealed that she wanted to share her story because she feels she hasn’t ‘been seen yet’ and wishes to live authentically.

She spoke openly about her experiences at family events, where relatives often reminisce about her father’s joyful relationship with her mother, model Toukie Smith.

Airyn explained that those reflections made her desire to be viewed in the same way – as someone warm and genuine.

“Whether it’s just turning on the charm or not putting on a mask, but wanting to be feminine in a way that’s inviting and warm and welcoming,” she said.

Robert De Niro
Renowned actor Robert De Niro has issued a statement about his daughter Airyn, who recently came out as transgender. Credit: Alamy

Despite being the daughter of a Hollywood icon, Airyn said she doesn’t consider herself a ‘nepo baby,’ distancing herself from the typical image of children benefiting from celebrity lineage.

“I wasn’t brought up having a side part in one of dad’s movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres,” she noted, adding: “My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path. I would want [success] to happen on my own merit.”

In a public statement to Deadline, the Oscar-winning performer emphasized his unconditional love, stating: “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter.”

De Niro’s public affirmation of his daughter’s identity has drawn praise online, with many lauding his simple but powerful words: “I don’t know what the big deal is. I love all my children.”

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