Diller Discusses Personal Life, Reveals Sexuality and Matrimonial Tie to von Furstenberg
Titled Sparking a Coupledom: Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg Unveil Their Remarkable Love Story
In an unprecedented reveal, celebrated American businessman, Barry Diller, opens up about his romantic journey with fashion doyenne, Diane von Furstenberg, in his newest memoir, "Who Knew."
Diller, the charismatic chairman of IAC, a global media conglomerate, and Expedia Group, an American travel colossus, walked down the aisle with Von Furstenberg in 2001, marking the culmination of their relationship that began two decades prior. The passionate duo's budding romance is chronicled in an excerpt from Diller's explosive memoir, published this week by New York magazine.
At 83, Diller recounts being smitten by Von Furstenberg when he first met her at the age of 33, despite previously having only shown interest in men. When they initially met, she dismissively overlooked him, but their re-encounter, at a dinner party for a mutual friend, left Diller bewitched.
As the couple frequently found themselves ensconced in intimate conversations and enchanting conversations, Diller admits to a 'coup de foudre,' a French term signifying an instant electrical connection, sparking their fervent romance. Soon, the duo was inseparable, finding themselves intertwined in a passionate whirlwind that reminded Diller of the allure of first loves.
While navigating these nascent feelings, Diller hadn't come out publicly and vowed to himself not to maintain a facade but to live authentically. As their romance unfolded, Diller acknowledged that the public was quick to notice the unexpected outcome, with the media wondering about his attraction to men. However, their profound affection soon tamed the whispers.
The couple's relationship wasn't without its trials and tribulations, as they parted ways in 1981 when von Furstenberg embarked on an affair with actor Richard Gere. After a decade apart, von Furstenberg re-entered Diller's life, and they eventually exchanged nuptials in 2001.
Touching upon the speculation, Diller clarifies that the media often misconstrued their relationship as mere friendship, but he insists, "We weren't just friends. We aren't just friends." Emphasizing the enduring nature of their affinity, Diller highlights their bond as the very foundation of his life.
Diller's memoir has sparked discussion around sexual fluidity, as he notes that Europeans have a far more accepting understanding of sexuality compared to the rigidly defined expectations of the past century. He expresses that the fluidity of sexual identities today feels more liberating, fascinating, and in harmony with nature.
Cutting through the noise of speculation, Diller affirms, "We know, our family knows, and our friends know. The rest is blather."
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- In his newest memoir "Who Knew," Barry Diller reveals the fundamental love story between him and Diane von Furstenberg, which eventually culminated in their marriage in 2001.
- Diller, the charismatic chairman of IAC and Expedia Group, admits to being smitten by Von Furstenberg's charm when they first met in 1981, despite previously showing interest only in men.
- Diller and Von Furstenberg found themselves inseparable after their re-encounter, with a passionate connection akin to a 'coup de foudre' that ignited their fervent romance.
- The couple's relationship experienced trials, including a decade-long separation when Von Furstenberg embarked on an affair with actor Richard Gere, but they eventually reunited and exchanged nuptials.
- Diller's memoir promotes a discussion on sexual fluidity, with him expressing a more liberating, fascinating, and nature-aligned understanding of modern sexual identities compared to the rigid expectations of the past century.
