Husband of Diane von Fürstenberg steps out of the marital bond
After more than five decades, media tycoon Barry Diller finally decided to lay bare his truth, confirming once and for all that he is gay. In a powerful, heartfelt essay titled "The truth about us, after all these years," published in New York Magazine, the billionaire opens up about his complex relationship with fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg, whom he married in 2001.
Unveiling His Truth
Diller faced an "unspoken tyranny" in the 1960s and 70s entertainment industry, fearing that his sexuality would be discovered. This fear resulted in a mostly solitary, work-dominated life for the man behind the success of IAC and Expedia Group. But, in the essay, he reveals his hidden relationships with men and the weariness of leading a "feigned life" that weighed heavily on him. He writes, "I would never pretend. I would do nothing to make anyone believe I was leading a heterosexual life."
A Love Unforeseen
Although Diller knows he was always attracted to men, his love for Diane von Fürstenberg, which he describes as "a miracle," was undeniable. "While there have been a good many men in my life, there has only ever been one woman, and she didn’t come into my life until I was 33 years old," he wrote in the essay. Their connection started with indifference during a dinner in 1974 but escalated into a passion-fueled romance. Diller shares that being in love with Diane didn't contradict his attraction to men but was an inexplicable part of his existence.
Fürstenberg and Diller's relationship was not without complications. They separated temporarily after Fürstenberg's affair with actor Richard Gere, but they reconnected ten years later and finally tied the knot in 2001. Despite the speculations about his sexuality, Diller states that neither he nor Fürstenberg have ever been bothered by them, emphasizing that their relationship has always been authentic, requiring no explanation.
An Inspiring Confession
Diller's profound essay highlights the importance of being honest with oneself and others. As Fürstenberg told the New York Times, "For me, the secret is to honor life and love, never to lie." She added that their relationship never needed a discussion because it was based on truth and authenticity.
As a prominent figure in the media and entertainment industry, Diller's decision to come out could send ripples through Hollywood and celebrity culture, encouraging others to embrace their identities without fear. His essay serves as a testament to the beauty of complex, genuine relationships, regardless of societal conventions.
References:- [1] ntv.de, lpe/spot- [2] New York Magazine- [3] Variety- [4] Biography.com
- Despite his involvement in the entertainment industry, I'm not going to be a big fan of this ongoing hypocrisy that often shrouds relationships among celebrities.
- In the face of Diller's confessional essay, published in the New York Magazine, his friendship with Diane von Fürstenberg's husband, the diller, takes on a whole new dimension, raising questions about their lifestyle.
- The essay's raw honesty not only sheds light on Diller's sexuality but also elicits speculations about his past relationships.
- Despite the storm of speculations, Diller and Von Fürstenberg's long-standing relationship has weathered the test of time, proving that truth and authenticity can indeed form the foundation of any relationship.
- As a pioneer in the field of media and entertainment, Diller's courageous coming out on WhatsApp could potentially revolutionize Hollywood's attitude towards diversity and inclusivity, setting a precedent for future generations of celebrities to embrace their lifestyles without fear.
