Robert De Niro just sent a bold message about his daughter, Airyn, coming out as transgender —and the 81-year-old actor didn't mince words with his direct statement. In an April 29 article published by Them, Airyn, 29, opened up about her journey as a transgender woman.

Robert De Niro is supportive of his trans daughter, Airyn De Niro. In a statement, he told Variety how he feels about his child, whom he shares with Toukie Smith, being transgender. “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is,” he said. “I love all my children.”

Maybe I can start.’” After nearly a decade together, De Niro and Smith split in 1994 a year before Airyn and her twin brother were born. “Obviously no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight.