In a remarkable revelation that has captured headlines, Barry Diller, the 83-year-old billionaire media mogul, has publicly come out as gay, confirming his long-suspected sexuality while reflecting on his intricate relationship with fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg. Diller, who has held prominent positions as CEO of both Fox and Paramount, shared his journey in a candid article for New York magazine, where he detailed the complexities of his life and love.
Diller met von Fürstenberg in 1974, when he was 33 years old, during a dinner hosted by a mutual friend. At the time, he was newly appointed chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, a position that thrust him into the upper echelons of Hollywood society. Despite their initial indifference to one another, sparks flew when they reunited a year later at another dinner. Diller recounted how he initially disliked her, saying, "I don’t like that woman," but was soon captivated by her charm and charisma.
The couple embarked on a passionate romance that would span decades, marked by both separation and reunion. They initially split in 1981, with von Fürstenberg briefly involved with actor Richard Gere, whose film American Gigolo was produced by Diller. Despite this tumultuous period, the couple's bond remained strong, leading to their eventual marriage in 2001. Diller described their relationship as "a unique and complete love," one that defied conventional labels.
Throughout their relationship, Diller often grappled with his sexuality, which he kept hidden for many years. He admitted to living an "arid existence" due to his repressed feelings, stating, "I wouldn’t do a single thing to make anyone believe I was living a heterosexual life." In his article, he reflected on the fear that permeated his life during the 1970s, a time when openly expressing one's sexuality could jeopardize a career.
According to Diller, he was aware of his attraction to men long before he met von Fürstenberg. He recounted experiences from his youth, including cruising for men in West Hollywood and feeling overwhelmed by the open homosexuality he encountered on Fire Island. This internal conflict led him to compartmentalize his feelings, often locking away his true self as he navigated the high-stakes world of media and entertainment.
As he reminisced about his life with von Fürstenberg, Diller shared a particularly touching memory: for her 29th birthday, he gifted her 29 diamonds, which he humorously presented in a Band-Aid box. Their relationship was filled with extravagant moments, including lavish trips and glamorous parties, but it was also punctuated by personal challenges and societal scrutiny.
Despite the ups and downs, the couple's connection remained undeniable. Diller fondly recalled the times they spent together, including an incident where they were caught in a compromising position by music mogul David Geffen. He described their early passion as intense, stating, "I never questioned that our romance's biological imperative was as strong in its heterosexuality as its opposite had been." This sentiment highlights the complexity of his feelings for von Fürstenberg, suggesting that his love for her was genuine and profound.
After years of speculation regarding his sexuality, Diller's announcement comes as a significant moment not only for him but also for the LGBTQ+ community. He acknowledged that coming out publicly at this stage in his life was both liberating and daunting. "I’ve always thought that you never really know about anyone else’s relationships. But I do know about ours. It is the bedrock of my life," he stated, emphasizing the importance of authenticity.
Now, at 83 years old, Diller reflects on a life filled with both triumphs and trials. His marriage to von Fürstenberg, who is 78, is a testament to their enduring love, despite the challenges they have faced. They are often seen as a power couple in the fashion and media industries, and their story resonates with many who have navigated similar paths of love and self-acceptance.
Diller's candidness about his sexuality and his relationship with von Fürstenberg marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about LGBTQ+ representation in society. As he steps into this new chapter, he hopes to inspire others who may be struggling with their identities to embrace their true selves.
In a world where societal expectations can often dictate personal lives, Diller’s story serves as a reminder that love can transcend conventional boundaries. His journey illustrates the complexities of identity, love, and acceptance, revealing that it is never too late to live authentically.