Robert De Niro's Trans Daughter Gushes About 'Nonstop' Support Amid Coming Out: 'Best Thing Any Trans Kid Could Ask For'

By Fiyin Olowokandi on October 31, 2025 at 4:00 PM EDT

Robert De Niro at the 78th Cannes Film Festival
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Robert De Niro is being hailed as the father of the year by his transgender daughter, Airyn De Niro, who proudly opened up about his support for her gender identity.

This revelation comes after Airyn, one of Robert’s seven children, came out earlier this year, a move her parents warmly received.

Meanwhile, an earlier tragedy in the family is being revisited, as five individuals face arrest over the death of Robert’s grandson, Leandro De Niro, two years ago.

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Robert De Niro’s Trans Daughter Says The Support From Him Has Been 'Nonstop'

In a recent interview with Them, Airyn spoke openly about the unwavering support she has received from her father. “The support has still been nonstop from him, and I’m so grateful,” Airyn stated.

She shared that she recently spoke with her father about a few cosmetic touch-ups. Although Robert didn’t explicitly approve or disapprove, he made it clear that he would stand by her, regardless of her decision.

“You’re a good-looking kid. You don’t need to do anything to change yourself,” Robert told her, implying that she was beautiful just the way she is.

However, Airyn expressed her determination, explaining to him from the perspective of a trans woman, especially one who transitioned later in life. Rather than oppose her, Robert chose to remain supportive throughout her journey.

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“There’s no other thing to do than accept your kid for who they are and where they decide to go in life,” she quoted her father as saying during a joint therapy session, referring to his support as “the best thing any trans kid could ask for.”

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Robert De Niro Still Sees Airyn As His Daughter Even After Transition

Robert De Niro Honorary Palme D'or Photocall - The 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival
Rocco Spaziani/UPI Newscom/MEGA

Robert’s support for Airyn has been unwavering since the beginning of her transition. According to The Blast, back in May, the Oscar-winning actor made his stance clear:

“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.”

The "Goodfellas" actor has consistently used every opportunity to affirm that he stands with her through every phase of her journey.

Airyn also credited her courage to publicly embrace her truth to the influence of successful and outspoken trans women such as actress Laverne Cox.

“Trans women being honest and open, especially in public spaces like social media. I'm like, ‘You know what? Maybe it's not too late for me,’” she shared.

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Airyn De Niro’s Experience Being Outed As Trans

While Airyn might be open about her transition now, she has recalled how she was unintentionally outed by the paparazzi after being spotted visiting her father at the Greenwich Hotel.

As The Blast reported, she expressed her frustration that several media outlets publicized her transition without reaching out for confirmation.

She specifically called out one headline that read, “Robert De Niro’s nepo baby son shows off shock transformation with heels and pink hair in rare sighting.”

Airyn noted that she had always been visible yet misunderstood, adding that the reports were inaccurate and came from people who knew nothing about her since she grew up largely out of the spotlight.

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Robert De Niro’s Daughter Rejects The 'Nepo Baby' Label

As public attention grows, Airyn has firmly rejected the “nepo baby” tag often associated with celebrity children. She emphasized that her upbringing and career path were far from privileged.

“I wasn't brought up having a side part in one of Dad's movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres. My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path. I would want [success] to happen on my own merit.”

She added that most casting directors ignored or rejected her because she refused to leverage her father’s fame. Being a trans woman made the journey even more challenging, yet Airyn persisted, determined to achieve success through her own effort and talent.

Five People Face Arrest Over The Death Of Robert De Niro’s Grandson

A Suspect Reportedly In Custody In Connection With Robert De Niro's Grandson's Death
Instagram | drenadeniro

In a separate development, the tragic death of Robert’s grandson, Leandro De Niro, is once again under investigation.

According to The Blast, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. The suspects, whose names have not been disclosed, are facing charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

Investigators allege that they targeted young adults and teenagers through social media, selling drugs across New York City and parts of Long Island. 

Their activities reportedly led to multiple deaths, including that of three 19-year-olds, one of whom was Leandro. 

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