Robert De Niro's pals slam him for refusing to change diapers of 19-month-old daughter: ‘Needs to man up’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Robert De Niro, the iconic 81-year-old actor known for his legendary roles in 'The Godfather' and 'Taxi Driver', is facing criticism from his friends after he revealed that he refuses to change the diapers of his 19-month-old daughter Gia.

The actor, who welcomed Gia with his longtime girlfriend Tiffany Chen in April 2023, has been vocal about his parenting approach, but his decision to avoid diaper duty has left some of his pals shaking their heads.

Robert De Niro defends parenting role, but critics question his involvement in childcare

While Robert De Niro insists that he does help care for his daughter Gia, he made it clear that changing diapers is not something he takes on.

"No, no, but I used to," De Niro said, claiming he still plays an active role in his daughter’s daily routine. "I spend my mornings watching (toddler YouTuber) Ms Rachel with her, and I give her her bottle."

An insider, however, told Radar Online that it’s "pretty insensitive to brag about being a deadbeat diaper changer," especially when considering De Niro's vast experience as a father.

"He’s an old-school guy," the source added. "He insists he changed diapers with his older kids, but clearly doesn't see it as all that important now. He likes to be the Disneyland dad and swan in and out and leave the heavy lifting to Tiffany," the insider added.

The actor, who has six other children from previous relationships, appears to be leaving most of the childcare responsibilities to Chen. While the martial arts expert "tolerates it," according to sources, some of De Niro's friends are less forgiving.

They feel his approach to parenting is lackluster and that it’s time for him to step up more. Some of his pals "think it’s lousy" and "feel he would bond better with Gia and strengthen his relationship with Tiffany as well if he stepped up."

Robert De Niro’s parenting style questioned by friends 

Robert De Niro has seven children from his multiple relationships, including his adopted daughter Drena, 57, and biological son Raphael, 48, with ex-wife Diahnne Abbott.

He also had surrogate twins Julian and Aaron, 29, with ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith, and Eliot, 26, and Helen, 23, via surrogate with ex-wife Grace Hightower.

Despite his extensive parenting experience, some of De Niro's closest friends believe he is avoiding the messier side of fatherhood.

"The feeling among his pals is he needs to man up about the messy stuff with little Gia," the insider added.

Internet slams Robert De Niro over his parenting approach

Following Robert De Niro's admission that he doesn’t change his daughter Gia's diapers but still plays an active role in her daily routine, many users took to Facebook to express their disappointment with the actor's parenting skills.

One person said, "Lost all respect for this guy after his rant a few years ago at some awards show. Just a whiny liberal."

Another wrote, "Garbage human being."

One commentator remarked, "These lefties are all the same weak Spineless individuals."

"He’s probably not losing sleep over you or the diaper changing," added another.

One critic chimed in, "Now whoever had a baby with him knew damn well he wasn’t going to be doing much of anything when it came to the baby."

Another declared, "Overrated actor. Basically just plays himself a lot."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.