Burt Reynolds claims Charlie Sheen ‘deserved’ to get HIV
Actor and director Burt Reynolds has caused shock with some old-fashioned stigma – by claiming that Charlie Sheen “deserves” HIV because of his sex life.
The former Two and a Half Men star opened up about his HIV status last month, in what he said was a bid to end a cycle of blackmail, extortion and tabloid rumours.
The media has published a number of sleazy stories about Sheen following his revelations – with one website claiming to have obtained a sex tape showing him “smoking a crack pipe before engaging in gay oral sex”, while other gossip sites claim that the actor sought out “transgender prostitutes”.
Following the news, Hollywood director Burt Reynolds has spoken out.
Speaking to ITV’s Loose Women, Reynolds said: “His father’s a very, very decent man and a dear friend of mine
“I feel bad for him. But Charlie, I don’t feel bad for him. He’s getting what he deserves. If you’re going to misbehave like that, then they’re going to get you.”
He added: “For Charlie? No. He deserves it. He misbehaved badly, very badly. But you know, when you’re that age, it’s tough.
“All those things are coming at you, and it’s difficult.”
HIV charities say the comments perpetuate tired old HIV stigma.
Shaun Griffin of the Terrence Higgins Trust said: “The comments made today on Charlie Sheen’s HIV status are completely unnecessary.
“It is not right for anybody to be deemed ‘deserving’ of HIV, or any health condition, nor is it correct for any of us to judge how a person becomes HIV positive, or speculate on its inevitability.”
Sheen says he had paid out millions to “blackmailers” to ensure the news remained secret, but claims he did not put anyone at risk.
He is facing a lawsuit from an ex-girlfriend, however, who claims he did not disclose his status.
Watch the clip below:
