Earlier today, via an interview with Matt Lauer, Charlie Sheen confirmed that he is HIV positive.
Reactions to this stunning piece of news continue to come in, with Sheen’s ex-girlfriend, Bree Olson, beyond peeved that Sheen allegedly did NOT tell her he had contracted the disease.
Former Spin City co-star Heather Locklear has sent her prayers to Sheen and we expect to hear from countless other celebrities in the coming hours, days and weeks.
But GLAAD wasted no time at all in issuing a statement; mostly in support of Sheen, but more as a take on HIV in general.
“To eradicate HIV once and for all, we must first eradicate the stigma attached to it,” said GLAAD CEO & President Sarah Kate Ellis.
“Stigma prevents people from getting tested, it prevents people from getting treated, and it can contribute to increased rates of infection.
“In this new era of prevention and treatment, including methods like PrEP, the media must take this opportunity to end the stigma and shine light on the stories of more than 1.2 million Americans living full lives with HIV today.”
During his exchange with Lauer, Sheen was asked about the “stigma” attached to the virus.
He said he no longer feels it and that he hopes his admission will encourage others to also face the disease head on.
Watch the interview with Sheen now; click through other celebrities who are in his same situation or who have been below; and then sound off in the Comments with your take on the MAJOR news of the day.
