Social Media Reacts to Charlie Sheen’s HIV Positive Admission

"I'm here to admit that I am in fact HIV Positive." -@CharlieSheen https://t.co/OVqVMKUGET https://t.co/10Ca6WRqt4

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 17, 2015

Charlie Sheen Is HIV Positive

This morning, Charlie Sheen met with Matt Lauer on the Today Show to confirm what some have suspected for a while. The actor is HIV positive, and we found out today the he contracted the disease around four years ago. Since being diagnosed, Sheen has continued to have both protected and unprotected sex with women, but stated that he has always disclosed his status. His previous wives Denise Richards and Brooke Mueler were both told about the disease in 2011, and both tested negative. Charlie's admission was spurred by the extortion he has received from people threatening to disclose his HIV status. During his interview with Matt Lauer, Charlie stated that he has shelled out over $10M dollars to hush people, and even had a prostitute that went so far as to take a picture of his pill bottles with the intent to distribute on social media.

2011 was also the year that Charlie Sheen had a drug-fueled breakdown, leading to the harem of porn stars who took residence at his house (termed "goddesses" by Sheen), the termination of his role on Two and a Half Men (at the time he was the highest paid actor on television, banking $2M per episode), and too many memes and flea market T-shirts with #WINNING to count.  

Naturally, the internet's reaction to Charlie's HIV positive status has been all over the place. Many people are offering their support, highlighting the positive effect he could have on HIV awareness and prevention. Others are low on sympathy due to the actor's high-risk behavior, mentioning that we should feel sympathy for the women he may have infected (specifically during the period when he was infected but unaware of his status), and not for him. Here's a sampling of some of the reactions out there.

Heather Locklear

 

My heart hurts. Prayers for Charlie and his family

A photo posted by Heather Locklear (@heatherlocklear) on Nov 16, 2015 at 4:21pm PST

Lady Gaga

 

#BraveCharlie @btwfoundation, an opportunity for people all over the world to learn about modern HIV prevention, treatments, and emotional intelligence as it relates to the stigma of the virus

A photo posted by The Countess (@ladygaga) on Nov 17, 2015 at 7:25am PST

I don't have to know how #CharlieSheen contracted HIV to know that he doesn't "deserve" it. No one "deserves" illness. No one.

— Charles Wade (@akacharleswade) November 17, 2015

The @BreeOlson interview on the @sternshow is amazing. The woman are the victims, not #CharlieSheen. Hopefully none are infected.

— Kevin Eaton (@TheKevinEaton) November 17, 2015

If Americans didn't stigmatize those with #HIV, people like @charliesheen wouldn't be subjected to paying folks to keep quiet. #CharlieSheen

— Jasmyne Cannick (@Jasmyne) November 17, 2015

#CharlieSheen be like pic.twitter.com/rtXJf0T1Re

— Stan Marsh (@iSTANdGround) November 17, 2015

HIV is the rare disease that causes people to feel comfortable announcing that the sick person deserved it #CharlieSheen

— Lindsay Goldwert (@lindsaygoldwert) November 17, 2015

RETWEET if you think there is more important news then if #CharlieSheen has #HIV

— Darcizzle Offshore (@_Darcizzle_) November 17, 2015

Totally get this is sensitive issue & willful spreading of #STDs is wrong. Point is I don't see this as a public convo #CharlieSheen

— Sam White (@samwhiteout) November 17, 2015

Still a fan of #CharlieSheen no matter what his HIV status is. He is still a great actor. @charliesheen now you can inspire so many others

— Julie de Jongh (@bodishot) November 17, 2015

That anyone would blackmail someone over their sickness is saddening. Your secrets keep you sick. Way to speak out, #CharlieSheen.

— Kaitlin Monte (@kaitlinmonte) November 17, 2015