Robert De Niro shares why it’s important to 'support' children after daughter Airyn comes out as trans

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Robert De Niro is standing firmly by his children, especially after one of his daughters publicly shared her trans identity.

The 81-year-old actor, known for keeping his family life mostly private, briefly opened up about parenting.

Robert De Niro says supporting your children is the 'main thing'

Robert De Niro's comments come after his daughter Airyn, 29, came out as transgender earlier this year. The actor made it clear that his support is unwavering.

“Well, there's certain things you can do and certain things you can't do, but the main thing is to support your kids,” De Niro told Entertainment Tonight.

“As long as they’re not hurting themselves, doing anything destructive or anything like that, you have to support them. Period," he added firmly.

Airyn came out as trans in an interview with Them published on April 29. She said she is “stepping into this new identity,” and spoke candidly about the difference between being acknowledged and truly accepted.

“There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she told the outlet. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”

Robert De Niro loves his children after Airyn comes out as transgender

In a statement to People after Airyn came out, Robert De Niro shared that nothing changed about how he feels about Airyn.

“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,” the two-time Oscar winner said, adding, “I love all my children.”

De Niro is a father to seven children from different relationships. He shares daughter Drena, 53, and son Raphael, 48, with his first wife Diahnne Abbott. He welcomed twins Julian and Airyn with former girlfriend Toukie Smith.

He also shares son Elliot, 27, and daughter Helen, 13, with ex-wife Grace Hightower. In April 2023, he welcomed his youngest daughter, Gia, now 2, with his current girlfriend, Tiffany Chen.

De Niro also reflected on his role as a father during the interview.

“Even if you don’t go with it or think that they are going at it, whatever it is, you have to support them," he said.

"And they have to know that you support them. Always," he added.

Airyn De Niro was told to have 'normal childhood'

Airyn, who is pursuing work as an actress and model while also studying to become a mental-health counselor, told Them she had a mostly private childhood despite her father's fame.

“I wasn’t brought up having a side part in one of Dad’s movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres,” she said.

She added, “My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path. I would want [success] to happen on my own merit.”

Airyn also shared her appreciation for how her parents handled her upbringing.

“They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible,” she said.

“No parent is perfect,” she continued, “but I’m grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight.”