Barry Diller, who has been united in marriage with fashion visionary Diane von Furstenberg since 2001, has courageously opened up about his past liaisons with men for the very first time. In an essay titled "The truth about us, after all these years," penned Tuesday for New York Magazine, ahead of the launch of his memoir, "Who Knew," the billionaire confided, "Throughout my life, I've crossed paths with numerous men, but there has been only one woman who has stolen my heart, and she didn't grace my life until I was 33."
He went on to articulate, "I've never doubted the fundamental role my sexuality has played in shaping my life's narrative (I was merely apprehensive about others' reactions)." Diller, now 83 and the chairman of IAC, recounted that when he embarked on a romantic journey with von Furstenberg, 78, following their 1974 encounter, "I never questioned the equally potent heterosexual pull as I had felt otherwise." He humorously added that when their love blossomed, his immediate thought was, "Who knew?"
The duo's relationship has been marked by interruptions and reunions, separating in 1981 before finally rekindling their bond in 1991 and tying the knot in 2001, sans children together. Von Furstenberg, a Belgian fashion icon, has two grown children, Alexander von Furstenberg, 55, and Tatiana von Furstenberg, 54, from her previous marriage to Prince Egon von Furstenberg.
Diller, who has solely been married to Diane, acknowledged in his essay that his union with the designer has "sparked confusion and endless conjecture," hinting that his inner circle was privy to his attractions towards men. "Our relationship, which commenced with indifference and erupted into a romance as instinctive as breathing, took us and everyone else by surprise. It truly stands as the miracle of my existence," he remarked about their 24-year-long marriage, describing it as a "singular and consummate love." "It was a fervent explosion of passion that endured for years," he added succinctly.
Further confessing, Diller stated, "And, indeed, I also harbored affections for men, but this did not clash with my love for Diane. I can't rationalize it to myself or to society at large." He believed that he and Diane were cosmically fated to be together.
Diller resonated with contemporary perspectives on sexual identities, which he deemed "far more fluid and organic, devoid of the rigidly defined corridors of the last century."
In response to Diller's essay, Diane's representative exclusively told Page Six, quoting the New York Times bestselling author Diane Chamberlain, "The key to honoring love and life is to never deceive!"
It remains ambiguous how the couple's relationship fairs following this public revelation. However, neither party has initiated divorce proceedings.
Back in 2010, Diane granted a rare glimpse into her perspective on their marriage, revealing to Page Six, "Barry has unconditionally adored me for 34 years." She shared about the gaps in their relationship, "I did leave him and pursued other men, but they invariably ended up envious of Barry, rather than the converse." She concluded, "In the end, he understood me, and I'm content that he did. He's the cornerstone of our family." The "House of DVF" alumnus admitted at the time that they "don't share a bed" but stressed, "I prefer it this way." She assertively stated, "It's my choice. Eventually, we'll find a shared abode in the city."
