Netizens have a lot to say about one of Robert De Niro’s sons, who was recently spotted out with pink hair and whose parents welcomed him and his twin brother via surrogacy.
One of the twin sons of Hollywood icon Robert De Niro was recently spotted out in New York donning a bold new look. His widely-discussed appearance marks a rare occurrence as Aaron De Niro has only been spotted out in public a few times before.
Fan comment about Aaron De Niro, posted on March 20, 2025. | Source: Facebook/Bored Panda
Aaron’s striking transformation was impossible to miss as he stepped out onto the bustling streets of New York. Embracing an edgy and fashion-forward aesthetic, the 29-year-old turned heads with his long pink dreadlocks, which cascaded from beneath a black headscarf, adding a dramatic contrast to his otherwise dark ensemble.
His bold hairstyle marked a striking departure from his past public appearances, where he was typically seen with his natural curls. Aaron sported an oversized black hoodie, exuding an effortlessly cool and casual vibe.
He paired his hoodie with intricately patterned black leggings adorned with floral and geometric designs, adding a subtle artistic flair to his ensemble. Completing his look, he opted for black lace-up heeled boots, giving his outfit an extra touch of sophistication and individuality.
A black leather backpack with pink embellishments, which Aaron carried in his hands, further complemented his aesthetic, reinforcing his distinct sense of style.
His overall look was a testament to self-expression, merging streetwear with high fashion in a way that made a bold statement.
Aaron’s rare public sighting quickly became a hot topic online, with netizens sharing a wide range of reactions to his striking new look. While some praised his style, others speculated about his motivations or commented on his family ties.
Several people took issue with the public scrutiny surrounding Robert’s son’s fashion choices, defending his right to self-expression. “Personal fashion choices are personal business. Media needs to stop manufacturing controversy over how people dress. Let’s focus on actual policy issues that matter,” one commenter stated.
Another added, “People should mind their own business. He is an adult & definitely his choice & no one should complain. We all are children of God.”
Others focused on specific elements of his look, with one observer plainly noting, “Looks like pink dreadlocks.” Meanwhile, another fashion-conscious person offered a positive take, simply remarking, “Cute boots.” Another admirer praised Aaron’s good looks.
However, not all reactions were complimentary. Some commenters speculated about Aaron’s motivations for his appearance, with one writing, “It’s the new hip thing to do for attention. I wish they’d go back to eating Tide Pods.”
Another took a more conspiratorial tone, expressing his belief that there is a “cult” in Hollywood and noting how Aaron may be a part of a list of celebrity kids who think by donning avant-garde looks, they will get the attention they deserve because of who their parents are.
Others drew comparisons to his famous father, with one commenter opining, “The kid looks nothing like him 
.” Meanwhile, a more cryptic remark read, “No wonder he’s so angry.”
While Aaron De Niro himself has yet to comment on the public’s response, his bold look has undeniably sparked discussion, reigniting curiosity about the typically private De Niro family. While little is known about Aaron, some details are public knowledge, like the fact that he has a twin brother named Julian De Niro.
Both boys were born on October 20, 1995, via surrogacy and share Robert as a father and actress and restaurant owner Toukie Smith as a mother. Toukie is Robert’s former girlfriend.
Aaron and Julian De Niro spotted out in New York in 1998. | Source: Getty Images
Even though at the time of Aaron and Julian’s births, their parents had separated, that didn’t hinder them from sharing the responsibility of raising their children.
Robert’s representative issued a statement saying he and Toukie would be leading “separate personal and professional lives” but would share parenting responsibilities.
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro at the AIDS Benefit Auction Honoring Willi Smith in New York in 2010. | Source: Getty Images
While Robert’s son has not had an active Hollywood career, he was a voice actor in the 2020 animation film, “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run,” where he played a security guard. He worked alongside celebrated actors, including Tiffany Haddish, Akwafina, and Keanu Reeves.
Despite Aaron’s father’s successful career in Hollywood, he supports whatever path his son follows. He once shared that he would often advise his children to take risks, follow their passion, and do something that makes them happy.
Speaking to People, he divulged, “For my kids, I tell them, if you want to be an actor or you want to do this or that, that’s fine as long as you’re happy. Just don’t sell yourself short.”
While many celebrity kids have followed in their parent’s footsteps, Aaron’s father said it’s important for his children to find their lane. As a dad of seven children, Robert noted that becoming a parent changed how he saw the world.
The “Dirty Grandpa” actor, who played alongside Zac Efron in the film, said being a father made him more aware of certain things, and the best advice for his children is to chase their dreams.
During an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Aaron’s father candidly discussed his views on fatherhood, recognizing the challenges of raising biracial children. He openly admitted that, at times, he had taken certain aspects for granted.
He then confessed to feeling a sense of anxiety as a parent, particularly when he overheard other parents advising their kids to keep their hands visible when approached by cops.
This revelation raised genuine concerns for him, as he emphasized the importance of law enforcement serving to protect the community rather than instilling fear. As a father, Robert De Niro cares about protecting his children and ensuring they feel safe.
Besides Aaron and his twin brother Julian, the acclaimed actor is also a dad to Raphael and Drena De Niro, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Diahnne Abbott, and Elliot and Helen De Niro, whom he shares with his second ex-wife Grace Hightower. The star also has another child with his partner Tiffany Chen.
