New York, NY — Actor Robert De Niro is expressing unwavering support for his daughter, Airyn De Niro, as she embraces her identity publicly. In a heartfelt statement, he emphasized his commitment to loving both Airyn and her past identity as his son, Aaron.
“I don’t see what the fuss is about. I love all my children,” De Niro said, highlighting his supportive stance during this transformative period. This support comes as Airyn recently discussed her journey in a profile for Them, where she reflected on her experiences as a Black trans woman and the empowerment she draws from her identity.
Airyn, the daughter of De Niro and model Toukie Smith, detailed how her transition has been influenced by the strength and resilience of Black women throughout history. “Embracing this new identity while taking pride in my Blackness brings me closer to them,” she stated, shedding light on the deep connections she feels with those who have navigated similar journeys.
Earlier this year, Airyn faced scrutiny when paparazzi captured her visiting her father at the Greenwich Hotel. The subsequent media coverage inaccurately depicted her as merely a “nepo baby,” focusing on her appearance rather than her individuality. “The headlines were misleading, and it made me realize how little people understand about me,” she remarked, pointing out that none of the publications reached out for her perspective before printing their stories. This experience fueled her decision to speak openly about her identity.
Now 29, Airyn aspires to inspire others who find themselves at the intersections of race, gender, and body image, emphasizing representation for marginalized groups. “I want to offer hope to those who may feel overlooked, particularly Black queer individuals who do not conform to traditional beauty standards,” she said, expressing her desire for broader representation in the fashion industry.
Airyn dreams of following in her mother’s footsteps in modeling, revealing her ambition to grace magazine covers alongside her. “It would be a dream to recreate one of my mom’s iconic images or to be featured in Vogue with her,” she shared, underlining her admiration for the trailblazing women who have come before her.
Through her journey, Airyn De Niro is not only redefining her identity but also reshaping narratives surrounding diversity, representation, and authenticity in the public eye. Her determination to foster inclusivity in fashion and beyond may pave the way for a new generation of artists who dare to challenge conventional norms.