Barry Diller, the 83-year-old media mogul and chairman of IAC, is speaking publicly for the first time about his past relationships with men and his long-standing marriage to fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.
In an essay titled “The Truth About Us, After All These Years,” published Tuesday in New York Magazine ahead of his upcoming memoir Who Knew, Diller reflects on his personal journey and romantic history.
“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.
Diller said he never doubted the truth of his sexuality, though he feared how others might react. “I have never questioned my sexuality’s basic authority over my life,” he explained. “I was only afraid of the reaction of others.”
Reflecting on his relationship with von Furstenberg, whom he began dating after they met in 1974 and later married in 2001, Diller shared that he felt no conflict in embracing their romance. “I never questioned that its biological imperative was as strong in its heterosexuality as its opposite had been,” he wrote. When their relationship began, he recalled thinking simply, “Who knew?”
Barry Diller revealed details about his sexuality in a newly published essay for New York Magazine.
The couple had an on-and-off relationship for years, separating in 1981 before reuniting a decade later in 1991. They eventually married in 2001 but did not have children together.
Diane von Furstenberg, the Belgian-born fashion icon, has two adult children—Alexander, 55, and Tatiana, 54—from her previous marriage to Prince Egon von Furstenberg.
Diller, who has only ever been married to Diane, acknowledged in his essay that their relationship has “caused confusion and lots of speculation,” suggesting that many close to him have long been aware of his attraction to men.
Describing their romance, he wrote: “A relationship that began with indifference, then exploded into a romance as natural to us as breathing, surprised us and everyone else. It really is the miracle of my life.” He went on to call their 24-year union a “unique and complete love.”
Diller noted that his early relationship with von Furstenberg “caused confusion and lots of speculation” from those around them.
Diller and von Furstenberg do not have children together, though she has two—Prince Alexander von Furstenberg and Tatiana von Furstenberg—from a previous marriage.
Diller wrote about his sexuality, stating, “I also liked guys, but that never conflicted with my love for Diane.”
The current status of their relationship remains unclear after Diller’s public admission, although neither party has filed for divorce.
In 2010, Diane offered rare insight into her perspective on their marriage, telling Page Six, “Barry has loved me unconditionally for 34 years.”
She also reflected on the ups and downs of their relationship, saying, “I did leave him, and I went with other men, but they always ended up being jealous of Barry, not the other way around.”
It seems that Diller and von Furstenberg have not filed for divorce.
She has not yet made a statement regarding Diller’s essay.
“At the end, he got me, and I’m happy he got me,” Diane said. “He’s the pillar of our family.”
However, the House of DVF alum admitted at the time that they “don’t sleep together,” but added, “I like it this way.”
She concluded, “It’s my decision. Eventually, we’ll get a place in the city together.”
