Media mogul Barry Diller, the 83-year-old billionaire behind IAC and Expedia Group, has publicly come out as gay while revealing intimate details about his decades-long relationship with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg in an excerpt from his upcoming memoir “Who Knew,” published in New York Magazine.
The Revelation That Surprised Hollywood
In his candid essay titled “The truth about us, after all these years,” Diller finally addresses decades of speculation about his sexuality and his unconventional marriage to von Furstenberg.
“While there have been a good many men in my life, there has only ever been one woman,” Diller wrote, referring to von Furstenberg, who entered his life when he was 33 years old.
The timing of this revelation has shocked many in the entertainment and business worlds, coming as it does in the twilight of Diller’s illustrious career. At 83, the media titan has chosen to embrace his truth publicly for the first time, despite having lived with speculation throughout his professional life.
A Complex Love Story Spanning Five Decades
Diller and von Furstenberg’s relationship defies conventional categorization. Their romance began in 1974 when Diller was an executive at Paramount and von Furstenberg was still married to her first husband, Prince Egon von Fürstenberg.
Their initial meeting wasn’t particularly memorable – Diller recalled feeling von Furstenberg looked through him. However, at a dinner party at her home in 1975, something changed. Diller described their connection as reminiscent of the famous scene in “West Side Story” when the world melts away as Tony and Maria meet.
Despite Diller dating men at the time (though not publicly out), he and von Furstenberg developed an intense physical and emotional connection. They fell passionately in love, with Diller noting this was his first sustained romantic relationship of any kind.
From Breakup to Marriage: A Relationship Evolution
The couple’s first chapter ended in 1981, not because of Diller’s sexuality but due to von Furstenberg’s brief affair with actor Richard Gere. Diller admitted to overreacting to the situation, which led to their separation.
After a decade apart, during which both had relationships that “didn’t come close to standing the test of time,” they reconnected in 1991. Their bond remained strong, eventually leading to a surprise City Hall wedding in 2001.
Who Is Barry Diller?
Born February 2, 1942, in San Francisco, California, Barry Charles Diller dropped out of UCLA after one semester and began his career as a mail clerk at the William Morris talent agency.
His rise through the entertainment industry was meteoric. At ABC, he created the concept of the “movie of the week” and helped develop groundbreaking programming including the miniseries “Roots”. As Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures for ten years, he oversaw hits like “Saturday Night Fever” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark”.
In 1984, Diller joined Fox, where he was instrumental in launching Fox Broadcasting Company alongside Rupert Murdoch. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to found InterActiveCorp (IAC) in 1995, a media and internet conglomerate that would become his primary wealth vehicle.
Today, Diller’s net worth stands at approximately $4.53 billion, ranking him around 815th among global billionaires and 300th in the United States. While his fortune has seen a slight decrease from the previous year, his business acumen remains respected throughout the industry.
The Fashion Icon: Diane von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg revolutionized women’s fashion with her invention of the wrap dress. Her designs became iconic symbols of female empowerment and professional elegance in the 1970s.
Speaking to the New York Times in 2013 about their unusual arrangement, von Furstenberg provided insight into their relationship: “This man has been my lover, my friend and he’s now my husband. I have been with him for 35 years. At times we were separated, at times we were only friends, at times we were lovers, at times we’re husband and wife, that’s our life”.
Beyond Business: Diller’s Cultural Contributions
Beyond his business success, Diller has made significant contributions to culture and public spaces. He has produced numerous Broadway shows, including “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “The Iceman Cometh,” “Carousel,” and “The Humans”.
Perhaps most visibly, his foundation created Little Island, an innovative park and performance center in New York’s Hudson River that has become a beloved public space. His philanthropic efforts extend to organizations like The High Line, Motion Picture & Television Fund, and Culture Shed.
The Speculation Ends, The Truth Emerges
Throughout their relationship, Diller and von Furstenberg faced persistent speculation about the nature of their bond. Many believed they were simply friends who married for convenience or companionship.
Diller directly addressed these rumors in his memoir: “We weren’t just friends. Plain and simple, it was an explosion of passion that kept up for years. And, yes, I also liked guys, but that was not a conflict with my love for Diane”.
This revelation comes at a time of greater acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals, even as Diller acknowledges his long-standing fear of public judgment: “I have never questioned my sexuality’s basic authority over my life (I was only afraid of the reaction of others)”.
A Legacy Redefined
As Chairman and Senior Executive of both IAC and Expedia Group, Diller continues to influence the digital landscape. His companies include popular brands like Angi, the Daily Beast, and Dotdash Meredith.
Now, with his public coming out, Diller adds another dimension to his legacy – one of personal authenticity that complements his professional achievements. At 83, his decision to share his truth demonstrates that it’s never too late to embrace one’s complete identity.
For Diller and von Furstenberg, their relationship continues to defy easy categorization. As Diller wrote, “There are many complex aspects of my relationship with Diane von Fürstenberg: romantic love and deep respect, companionship and world adventuring, then disappointment and separation, and finally marriage. We met in 1974, separated in 1981, reunited in 1991, married in 2001, and have spent 50 years intertwined with each other in a unique and complete love”.
