Charlie Sheen shouldn't have had to tell the world he's HIV positive, says charity
A Teesside HIV charity says Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen shouldn’t have been forced to tell the world he’s HIV positive.
A Teesside HIV charity says Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen shouldn’t have been forced to tell the world he’s HIV positive.
The actor made the announcement on the Today programme yesterday, revealing he’s been living with the condition for the past four years.
The 50-year-old also claimed he has been blackmailed and extorted by people who knew about his positive diagnosis.
He said: “I have to put a stop to this onslaught, this barrage of attacks and subtruths.
“Very harmful and mercurial stories that are threatening the health of so many others, which couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Now Middlesbrough charity Teesside Positive Action say the actor should have been given the option of keeping his condition to himself.
They’re gearing up for National HIV Testing Week, which begins on Saturday 21st November, and say telling people can be the most difficult part.
Mike Kay is the charity’s Service Manager.
He said: “I don’t think it really matters who it is, whether it’s a person who works in the shop down the street or a famous celebrity, no one should be forced into disclosing things.
“They’ve put that much pressure, it’s got to the point where they’ve got to make a public statement.
“It should never have had to be like that.”
National HIV Testing Week urges people to come forward and get tested if they think they may have put themselves at risk.
Teesside Positive Action will be at the following sites next week offering testing, for appointments call 01642 254598 or email email@teessidepositiveaction.org.uk.