Charlie Sheen has admitted he is HIV positive.
After weeks of speculation, first from US media, the actor revealed to Today show host Matt Lauer that he was diagnosed four years ago.
“I would like to admit that I am in fact HIV positive,” he said.
“It’s a harmful three letters to absorb.”
"I'm here to admit that I am in fact HIV Positive." –@CharlieSheen https://t.co/OVqVMKUGEThttps://t.co/10Ca6WRqt4
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 17, 2015
When did @CharlieSheen learn about his HIV Positive diagnosis? "About 4 years ago"https://t.co/atJgbHV1X3
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 17, 2015
Although earlier media reports didn’t name Sheen, the article held enough clues to point to the actor, an approach widely criticised as wrong and a basic breach of human rights.
Sheen said he has been the victim of betrayal and that many have demanded money in order to stay silent.
"How many people have you paid?"
“Enough to bring it into the millions” –@CharlieSheen tells @MLauerhttps://t.co/0sJV5nAGsR
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 17, 2015
In 2011, Sheen, who was reported to be one of the highest-paid TV actors ever, was sacked from sitcom Two And A Half Men after a public meltdown and told by CBS to seek treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.
Sheen has a daughter, Cassandra, 30, with ex-girlfriend Paula Profit, daughters Sam, 11, and Lola, 10, with ex-wife Denise Richards, and twins Bob and Max, six, with former spouse Brooke Mueller.
