Barry Diller Shares His Journey in New Memoir

At 83, billionaire Barry Diller has candidly opened up about his life, including his sexuality, in his new memoir. Known for his roles as chairman and senior executive of IAC and Expedia Group, Diller married fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg in 2001, but before meeting her, he reveals that he was primarily attracted to men.

Diller discusses this revelation in an essay for New York Magazine, explaining that he felt an attraction to many men but only one woman, von Furstenberg, who came into his life at the age of 33. “There were a lot of men in my life, but only one woman,” he wrote. He tackled the speculation surrounding his sexuality, stating, “I have never questioned the fundamental authority of my sexuality over my life—though I was concerned about others’ reactions.”

Reflecting on their relationship, Diller recalls, “I met Diane in 1974, and I never doubted the biological order of my attraction.” He humorously added that when their romance blossomed, his immediate thought was, “who knew it?”

Before his relationship with von Furstenberg, Diller had never openly identified as gay. He committed to living authentically while maintaining a level of privacy, vowing not to portray a heterosexual lifestyle. Their relationship certainly garnered attention; at that time, Diller was the chairman of Paramount Pictures, and von Furstenberg was already an established designer.

Diller noted that much of the speculation about their friendship decreased once it became clear that they were inseparable. Their relationship has evolved over the years; although they dated and lived together until 1981, they separated only to reconnect a decade later and marry after another ten years.

In his memoir, Diller makes it clear that their bond transcended mere friendship. He expresses that their connection was filled with passion, countering the narrative that they were just best friends. “Of course, I liked guys too,” he added, “but that didn’t conflict with my love for Diane. We were destined for each other.”

Interestingly, Diller refrains from labeling his sexuality as strictly gay or bisexual. He observed that Europeans tend to have a more fluid perspective on sexuality today, as opposed to the rigid definitions of the past century. Diller concludes with a thoughtful reflection on relationships, emphasizing, “While others can inspire us, it’s the ones who captivate us that truly matter.”