Source: Today/NBC
After the
Today show sent a
media release Monday saying Charlie Sheen would be on the program and make “a revealing personal announcement,” which sent the Internet into mass hysteria, the actor confirmed Tuesday morning what many had already speculated.
Sheen, in an interview with host Matt Lauer, confirmed reports that he is HIV-positive.
“I’m here to admit that I am HIV-positive,” said Sheen. “And I have to put a stop to this onslaught, this barrage of attacks, sub-truths, and very harmful, mercurial stories that are threatening the health of many others, which couldn’t be farther from the truth.”
The first publication to reveal the news Monday was
The Enquirer, which reported the actor had put at risk the health of several of his sexual partners, including ex-wives.
Sheen denied that he had ever knowingly put anybody’s health at risk. He said he told all of his sexual partners that he is HIV-positive, including any paid escorts he had used since his diagnosis.
Of the two people Sheen had unprotected sex with since his diagnosis, he maintained they were “under the care of my doctor and they were completely warned ahead of time.”
Lauer asked Sheen
how many people knew of his condition.
“Enough that I trusted to be in the position and the situation I am today.”
Sheen then revealed that several people have blackmailed him for their silence and he has paid “enough to bring it into the millions.”
“What people forget is that’s money they’re taking from my children,” the actor continued. “They think it’s just me, but I have five kids and a granddaughter.”
Lauer pressed Sheen on if he knew how he contracted the disease, to which Sheen responded, “Not entirely, no.”
Lauer asked if the actor had engaged in any “risky behavior” that may have lead to contracting the disease, to which Sheen answered, “Negative… you talking about needles, all that stuff? Definitely not.”
Sheen has carried the disease for four years now, after initially suffering painful migraines and “sweating the bed.” He hopes now he can help others who may be in a similar situation.
“I have a responsibility now to better myself and to help a lot of other people,” he said. “And hopefully with what we’re doing today, others may come forward and say, ‘Thanks, Charlie. Thanks for kicking the door open.”
Source:
Charlie Sheen is HIV positive by
Reuters on
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