"Unveiling the Real Me" - Barry Diller at 83, Out and Proud
Husband of Diane von Fürstenberg steps out.
Barry Diller's Groundbreaking Essay in "New York Magazine"
In an extraordinary turn of events, 83-year-old media titan Barry Diller, husband to the iconic fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg, has made a splash with his firsthand account of his life, love, and sexuality. In a captivating essay published in the "New York Magazine," Diller lays it all out - revealing that he is, in fact, gay. But this isn't just about coming out; it's about sharing the extraordinary tale of his love for Diane, a love that defied conventions and rebelled against the norm.
Fear and Love in the Colorful Sixties
Diller takes us back to the vibrant, tumultuous 1960s, a time when he grappled with the "tyrannical fear of being discovered." Gay men like Diller lived cloaked in uncertainty, hiding in hotel rooms and rented apartments. The entertainment industry was a far cry from the accepting, diverse world it is today, making it nearly impossible for a man in love with another man to live openly.
The Perfect Woman in a Man's World
Despite being aware of his homosexuality, Diller found true love with Diane von Fürstenberg, a relationship that started in 1974. At the peak of his career, Diller was a force to be reckoned with, shaping the media landscape and leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Yet, his love life remained untouched, hidden beneath a veneer of secrecy. He admits that their relationship had "many complex aspects" that confounded even himself, but it was genuinely heartfelt.
"It's a miracle," Diller says, speaking of their relationship, which started with an unbridled passion that lasted for years. He explains, "I knew men, but Diane was the only woman I truly loved." Their narrative is nothing short of extraordinary, a proposal during an impromptu dinner, a love that endured the test of time, and a connection that transcended everything.
What began as a romantic liaison turned into a partnership that lasted, with the couple eventually tying the knot in 2001, 26 years after their first meeting. Yet, the whispers of his sexuality persisted, a topic that never seemed to bother Diller and Diane von Fürstenberg. "It irritates us sometimes, but mostly amuses us," Diller writes. "We know it, our family knows it, and our friends know it. The rest is empty chatter."
Diane von Fürstenberg's Unshakable Support
Diane von Fürstenberg, ever the supportive partner, takes Diller's essay in stride. "This is not a coming out," she tells the "New York Times." "This is Barry telling the truth." Von Fürstenberg emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her relationship, stating, "The secret is to honor life and love, never to lie. Today, he has opened up to the world. He opened up to me 50 years ago."
Their relationship was, and continues to be, unfazed by speculation, a testament to their love for each other. In Diller's words, "We never had to discuss our relationship; we lived our relationship."
- Celebrity Couples
- Homosexuality
- Hollywood
- Despite the lingering whispers of his sexuality, Barry Diller, in his captivating essay in the "New York Magazine," states that he is not going to talk about it anymore, choosing instead to share the heartfelt story of his relationship with Diane von Fürstenberg.
- In the era of hypocrisy that was the entertainment industry of the 1960s, Barry Diller secretly grappled with his homosexuality, hiding in hotel rooms and rented apartments, away from the prying eyes of the media and society.
- Barry Diller's essay in the "New York Magazine" reveals that he knows WhatsApp would be abuzz with discussions about his lifestyle and relationships, but he is not concerned, confident in the support of his partner, Diane von Fürstenberg.
- In the essay, Diller describes the lifestyle and relationships of celebrities, including their own, highlighting the perceived double standards and the importance of authenticity in navigating the complexities of fame and intimacy.
- The "diller" between Barry Diller's professional success and his personal life has, for decades, been a topic of interest among magazine and gossip circles, but Diane von Fürstenberg remains unfazed, focusing on the love they share and the genuine connection they have maintained, beyond the scrutiny of the media and the judgment of the public.
