Charlie Sheen Hopes To Change HIV Stigma As Actor’s PA Dishes Drama: ‘I Always Led With Condoms & Honesty’
Charlie Sheen changed the world’s perception of him when he announced he was HIV positive. In the days that have followed Sheen’s revelation, Sheen is experiencing a combination of concern and hostility. Most recently, a personal assistant (PA) who worked closely with the actor stepped forward to recall the drama that followed when those close to Charlie Sheen learned of his HIV positive diagnosis, reported Channel 24.
When Sheen initially received the health diagnosis, only a “handful” of individuals were informed. Among them was Sheen’s PA. That former employee, Steve Han, started his association with Charlie Sheen in 2011. When Sheen began acting in unusually eccentric ways at a party, Han said he had a feeling something was off.
The odd behavior occurred when Charlie Sheen slashed his leg at the party.
“Don’t touch my blood, don’t touch my blood, I got this,” Sheen screamed.
A pal of Sheen’s was horrified, but Han instinctively sensed that something beyond a cut on the leg had caused the outburst.
Steve Han initially thought that it might be Hepatitis C, never envisioning the reality.
“At the time I thought maybe he’s got Hep C or something, but I never imagined it was much worse,” admitted Han. “I knew he was dealing with something major but couldn’t put my finger on it.”
Then came the emotional meeting between the personal assistant and Sheen. Charlie initially commented on his own problems before bluntly telling his personal assistant that he was HIV positive. Han emphasized that Sheen truly seemed regretful to have to reveal his condition.
“He was sad to have to tell me,” recalled Han.
The personal assistant described Charlie as “very strong” and reassuring.
“He wanted to reassure me that he’s got the right doctor and he was being looked after. For him it isn’t a death sentence,” asserted Han.
Researchers have found that when those diagnosed take the drugs, they can remain in good health. However, no cure exists, and individuals who receive the diagnosis must take the medication long-term.
One question that has been asked since Sheen announced his HIV positive diagnosis: Did he transmit HIV to any of his sexual partners? That depends on whether he consistently took the medication as prescribed and had the virus reduced to levels that were undetectable, according to the latest studies.
However, even with every precaution, the risk is not reduced to zero.
“A person with HIV can still potentially transmit HIV to a partner even if they have an undetectable viral load, because HIV may still be found in genital fluids (e.g., semen, vaginal fluids). The viral load test only measures virus in blood,” according to the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Sheen feels that he can help others by changing the perception of HIV, reported WebMD.
“I have a responsibility now to better myself and help a lot of other people. Hopefully with what we’re doing today, others may come forward and say ‘Thanks, Charlie, thanks for kicking the door open, you know?'” said the actor.
As to how he was infected, Sheen said he did not know, but that his symptoms initially ranged from night sweats to migraines. Charlie was aware of his diagnosis for four years prior to revealing it to the world, and he spent millions to buy silence from others.
However, Sheen denied that he could have transmitted HIV to anyone.
“I always led with condoms and honesty when it came to my condition,” said Sheen.
In addition to Sheen, Magic Johnson revealed that he was HIV positive, as did Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis.
[Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images]
