Airyn De Niro Praises 'Support System' As Father Robert Pays Tribute
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Airyn De Niro, the daughter of Robert De Niro, has recently came out as transgender in her first public interview.
Speaking to Newsweek about the online response, she praised her support system. "I'm so appreciative for them," she said, shortly after her father, Robert De Niro paid tribute to his daughter, telling TMZ: "I love and support Airyn."
The Context
President Donald Trump has taken multiple steps to unravel protections for transgender people. After his inauguration on January 20, Trump issued an executive order stating that it is "the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female."
He has also targeted gender-affirming care of transgender youths, banned trans people from serving in the military and excluded trans women from competing in female sports.
What To Know
Airyn De Niro, 29, told Newsweek in an email: "Since the online response I've been feeling very overwhelmed with all the attention." She then added that she is "trying [her] best to navigate it."
L: Airyn De Niro on Instagram, Airyn De Niro came out as transgender in a May 30 interview with Them, R: Robert De Niro attends the 2025 Exploring The Arts Family Dinner at The Angel...
L: Airyn De Niro on Instagram, Airyn De Niro came out as transgender in a May 30 interview with Them, R: Robert De Niro attends the 2025 Exploring The Arts Family Dinner at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on April 10, 2025 in New York City. More
Airyn De Niro/Instagram/"Having a support system makes it easier," adding, "I'm so appreciative for them."
Her father, Robert De Niro shared a statement with TMZ following Airyn De Niro's interview with online magazine Them.
"I love and support Airyn as my daughter," the Oscar-winning actor said, adding that he doesn't know "what the big deal is."
Speaking about what inspired her to do her first public interview, Airyn De Niro told Newsweek that she was inspired by the "encouragement of my friends," ad well as "the women I look up to."
Airyn De Niro, whose mother is the actress Toukie Smith, largely grew up out of the spotlight. In her interview with Them, she said that she has hopes to pursue a career in modeling and acting and has also trained as a mental health counselor.
""People of color and queer people definitely need more mental health advocacy and support," she told the publication. "I'm hoping I'm able to do that."
What People Are Saying
Airyn De Niro, in an email shared with Newsweek: "What inspired me was the encouragement of my friends and the women I look up to in the media so I can share my identity in my way."
Robert De Niro, in a statement to TMZ: ""I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don't know what the big deal is...I love all my children."
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