Diane von Fürstenberg Responds to Barry Diller’s Coming Out as Gay

NEW YORK, NY — Fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg recently addressed her husband Barry Diller‘s coming out as gay in an interview with Variety, stating that their long-time relationship remains unchanged.

In the interview published on October 16, von Fürstenberg, 78, was asked about what it means to be married to a man who identifies as gay. “What’s the difference? I don’t understand. But it doesn’t change anything. I’m sorry—it’s a stupid question,” she said.

Barry Diller, 83, who came out publicly in a May essay for New York Magazine, clarified that their relationship has always been a unique bond. He wrote, “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.” Diller also recognized that his relationship with von Fürstenberg caused confusion among people in their social circles.

Diane reflected on her history, mentioning her previous marriage to Prince Egon von Fürstenberg, who identified as bisexual. She emphasized that their marriage has always been based on love rather than labels. “I married two gay men, OK? I don’t know why, but to me, they’re not gay, so it doesn’t make any difference,” she stated.

In the interview, von Fürstenberg expressed her support for Diller’s memoir, Who Knew, explaining that it focuses on his life rather than solely on his sexuality. “Yes, I encouraged him to do that book,” she noted. “But for me, the book is not about that. It’s about his life.”

Their relationship has spanned over five decades, with the couple tying the knot in 2001 after a long on-and-off history. Reflecting on their dynamic, Diller described their love as “a miracle of my life.”

Barry noted that he initially did not understand the strength of his feelings for Diane and wrote about the biological imperative of their attraction, stating, “When my romance with Diane began, I never questioned that its biological imperative was as strong in its heterosexuality as its opposite had been.”

As they navigate this new chapter, Diane von Fürstenberg continues to affirm her unwavering affection for her husband, emphasizing the depth of their connection.