In a column for 9Honey, Channel 9 personality Shelly Horton has slammed the legendary actor for having another child just one year shy of his 80th birthday.
Horton said having a child at this age was' irresponsible', especially as frequently older parents die before the child is an adult.
“It's irresponsible to have children at that age, especially when you consider the child will undoubtedly grow up without a father for most of their life,” she wrote.
“While some may argue women shouldn't have to sacrifice their desire to have children because their partner is older, they need to think about the long-term consequences of that decision.”
The presenter added that it 'is incredibly difficult for single mothers to raise children alone', and while the Raging Bull star said he could provide for his child financially, she's worried he would be putting them at emotional risk.
"As parents age, they may also struggle with health issues that make it difficult for them to provide the care and attention young children require,' she continued.
She added: "Having money doesn't replace the emotional support and guidance a father or father figure can provide."
Horton also noted how many Hollywood men tend to have 'Peter Pan complexes'.
A representative for the actor confirmed the birth of his newborn to The Associative Press earlier this week.
However, they did not reveal the baby’s sex or the mother’s identity.
During the premiere of About My Father, the actor finally broke his silence regarding the birth while speaking to an ET correspondent.
When asked if he was surprised to become a father again, he replied with a resounding 'no' and added: “How you could not plan that kind of thing?”
“I'm ok with it,” the actor said when asked if he was excited.
When asked if becoming a parent ever gets any easier, he admitted he’s ‘good with it’.
ET Canada's Brittnee Blair proceeded to ask the screen icon if his children think of him as a ‘cool dad’.
“You know, my kids disagree with me at times, and they’re respectful. My daughter, she’s 11, she gives me grief sometimes and I argue with her. I adore her, but, you know," De Niro replied.
"And my youngest now, that’ll be more to come. But, that’s what it is."
Topics: News, Celebrity, Robert De Niro, Parenting
