Diane von Furstenberg Responds to Husband Barry Diller’s Revelation About His Sexuality

Diane von Furstenberg has recently shared her thoughts following revelations made by her husband, Barry Diller, about his sexuality in his memoir. The couple, who have been married since 2001, experienced a significant moment in their relationship when Diller disclosed his longstanding attraction to men in his book titled “Who Knew.” In the memoir, he stated, “Yes, I also liked guys, but that was not a conflict with my love for Diane.”

Diane von Furstenberg’s Perspective

In an interview with Variety published on October 16, von Furstenberg, age 78, expressed her views about Diller’s statements. When asked how she supported her husband in publicly discussing his sexuality, she clarified, “What do you mean, supporting him?” She emphasized that the book reflects his life, highlighting their deep connection over the years.

“For 50 years, I was the only person he opened to. Then he wrote the book,” she explained. Von Furstenberg also confronted the question of being married to a gay man, stating, “I don’t understand. It doesn’t change anything.” She added, “I married two gay men, and to me, they’re not gay, so it doesn’t make any difference.”

The Couple’s Journey

Before her marriage to Diller, von Furstenberg was married to Prince Egon von Fürstenberg. They divorced in 1983 after marrying in 1969, and he passed away in 2004. Von Furstenberg described her relationship with Diller as unexpected, recalling their meeting at a party she hosted for talent manager Sue Mengers. “He turned out to be my soulmate,” she reflected.

The couple dated and shared a passionate connection that lasted for years. Diller recounted feelings of excitement and nostalgia about their early relationship in an excerpt from his memoir published by New York Magazine on May 6. He described their initial dates and the chemistry that developed rapidly, stating, “It was an explosion of passion that kept up for years.”

Reflections on Public Perception

In subsequent media appearances, Diller addressed public speculation about his sexuality. In a CNBC interview aired on TODAY on May 20, he challenged the idea that he had been hiding his true self. “If I have been in a closet, it has been the most brightly lit closet with a glass door that you have ever seen,” he remarked, asserting that discussions about his sexuality were overstated at his age.

• Barry Diller: Hollywood mogul and author of “Who Knew.”
• Diane von Furstenberg: Renowned fashion designer and Diller’s wife since 2001.
• Key Events:
• The couple met at a party for Sue Mengers.
• Diller published his memoir in March 2023.
• Von Furstenberg’s previous marriage ended in 1983.

This relationship continues to be a topic of interest as both share their perspectives on love and sexuality, reflecting a complex and enduring partnership.