Robert De Niro's daughter comes out as transgender and fights back on ‘nepo baby’ label

Airyn De Niro, daughter of actor Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith, has publicly shared her journey of embracing her identity as a Black transgender woman.

In a recent interview with Them, the 29-year-old opened up about her experience navigating gender identity, body image, and the weight of growing up in the shadow of fame — all while pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.

De Niro spoke candidly about beginning hormone therapy in November 2024 and her decision to book her first appointment at a Black hair salon, which was a moment she described as a turning point, inspired in part by Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

However, the media quickly seized the opportunity to comment on her appearance.

Tabloid headlines commented on her hair and clothing, incorrectly reporting on her identity and labelling her without her consent, robbing her of the opportunity to share her transition on her own terms.

“Not only did they get information wrong about me… They just sort of reminded me that people really don’t know anything about me,” she said.

“There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she continued. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”

Despite maintaining a low public profile for much of her life, De Niro was quickly branded a “nepo baby” due to her famous last name — a label she pushed back on.

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

Reflecting on her childhood, De Niro spoke about feeling excluded and criticised for not fitting into traditional norms.

“I was always told I was too much of something or not enough of something,” she recalled. “Too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough.”

Now studying to become a mental health counsellor while pursuing acting and modelling, De Niro says her goal is to advocate for marginalised communities — particularly those who are coloured, queer, and plus-sized.

“I’d want to see more trans women, more Black women who are maybe bigger-bodied or don’t fit the mould of super thin or heroin chic,” she said.

She also credited the visibility of other trans women for helping her believe in her own future.

“Trans women being honest and open, especially in public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success… I’m like, you know what? Maybe it’s not too late for me,” she said.

“Maybe I can start.”