Robert De Niro Shows “Love & Support” For Daughter Airyn After She Came Out As Trans: “I Love All My Children”

Robert De Niro is expressing his support for his daughter Airyn De Niro after she came out as trans.

“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,” Robert De Niro said in a statement to Deadline.

In a powerful interview with Them, Airyn shared details about growing up as one of the two-time Oscar winner’s seven children. Airyn’s mother is actress Toukie Smith and has a twin brother named Julian.

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

Airyn noted that “no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.”

After the interview was published, Airyn started receiving support on social media, and she took to Instagram to address everyone, saying: “Thank you to everyone who’s been so sweet and supportive! I’m not used to all these eyes on me.”

“Also for the folks asking if I have representation or signed to anyone. I am literally just a girl with a phone,” she added. “So sorry if I miss your messages.”

Airyn noted that Laverne Cox was one of the trans women who inspired her saying: “Trans women being honest and open, especially [in] public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success … I’m like, you know what? Maybe it’s not too late for me.”

After reading her interview, Cox took to Instagram to share a video dedicated to her.