Charlie Sheen candidly reveals HIV positive status

Actor Charlie Sheen has revealed he is HIV positive and hopes to put an end to a slew of rumours and “a barrage of attacks and sub-truths” that have been circulating about him.

Sheen appeared on the US Today Show, speaking candidly with host Matt Lauer about his status, and to address recent speculation and threats head-on.

The actor said he was diagnosed HIV positive around four years ago, which lead to a downward spiral of drinking and drug-abuse, adding that he always told his partners about his positive status before sex.

All the same, in the past few months the actor has been hit by an army of antagonists out to make a quick buck from his situation.

In a statement to the Associated Press, he said, “In and around this perplexing and difficult time, I dazedly chose (or hired) the companionship of unsavoury and insipid types [apparently referring to prostitutes]. Regardless of their salt-less reputations, I always lead with condoms and honesty when it came to my condition. Sadly, my truth soon became their treason, as a deluge of blackmail and extortion took centre stage in this circus of deceit.”

Sheen admitted that part of his aim in his interview with Today was to put a stop to a deluge of shakedowns – basically in the form of blackmail and extortion – which he had encountered. He said he’d already paid millions to people as hush money but refused to continue doing so.

One prostitute, after a sexual encounter with Sheen, reportedly went into his bathroom and took photographs of his antiretroviral medication, then threatened to sell an image to the tabloids.

Sheen, 50, has been taking medication since his diagnosis four years ago, with recent test results showing no viral load.

He also announced an end to his party days and the start of a more “philanthropic” future, saying, “I have a responsibility now to better myself and to help a lot of other people. Hopefully, others may come forward and say ‘Thanks for kicking the door open’.”  Antonino Tati