In addition to appearing on The Today Show Tuesday morning to discuss the fact that he is HIV-positive Charlie Sheen also wrote an open letter where he talks about his past and current situation, his plans for the future, and much more.
Here’s what he had to say, via the Mirror…
Roughly four years ago, I suddenly found myself in the throws of a seismic and debilitating three-day cluster-migraine-like headache.
I was emergency hospitalised with what I believed to be a brain tumour or perhaps some unknown pathology. I was partially correct.
Following a battery of endless tests, that included a hideous spinal tap, it was sadly and shockingly revealed to me that I was, in fact, positive for HIV .
The news was a “mule kick” to my soul. Those impossible words I absorbed and then tried to convince myself, that I was stuck, suspended, or even stranded inside some kind of alternate reality or nightmare, were to the absolute contrary. I was awake. It was true… reality.
Under the brilliant and perfect care of Dr. Robert Huizenga as well as “the” leading infectious disease expert in the known universe, I began a rigorous and intensive treatment program.
Not missing a beat, a med dose, or one shred of guidance, quickly my viral loads became undetectable.
Like every other challenge in my life, again, I was victorious and kicking this disease’s ass.
I wish my story had ended there. Unfortunately, for my family and myself, it had only just begun.
Problem was, I’d forgotten that I’m too tough for such a cowardly departure. Yet, despite this loathsome and horrific odyssey, I was vigilant with my anti-viral program.
My medical team could only shake their heads as each and every blood test returned levels revealing a state of remission. Even though I might have been trying to kill myself, one thing was radically evident; the disease was not.
In and around this perplexing and difficult time, I dazedly chose (or hired) the companionship of unsavoury and insipid types. Regardless of their salt-less reputations, I always lead with condoms and honesty when it came to my condition.
Sadly, my truth soon became their treason, as a deluge of blackmail and extortion took centre stage in this circus of deceit.
To date, I have paid out countless millions to these desperate charlatans.
Locked in a vacuum of fear, I chose to allow their threats and skulduggery to vastly deplete future assets from my children, while my “secret” sat entombed in their hives of folly (or so I thought).
News Flash: This ends today. I’m claiming back my freedom. The scales of justice will swiftly and righteously re-balance themselves.
In conclusion, I accept this condition not as a curse or scourge, but rather as an opportunity and a challenge. An opportunity to help others. A challenge to better myself.
Every day, of every month, of every year, countless individuals go to work, man their stations, fulfil their professional obligations with a host of disabilities. Diseases, imperfections, hurdles, detours.
hese maladies range from lupus to cancer, from paralysis to blindness, from diabetes to obesity. “Treated,” HIV is no different.
My partying days are behind me. My philanthropic days are ahead of me.
Ernest Hemingway once wrote, “Courage is grace under pressure.”
I’ve served my time under pressure; I now embrace the courage, and the grace.
Love and peace,
Charlie Sheen
In other new developments regarding Sheen, TMZ reports that, as of now, six of his former lovers have already contacted an attorney with four more having appointments set today.
RadarOnline also reports that Sheen may be facing a criminal investigation if any of his former sex partners come forward with news that they contracted HIV without him disclosing to them that he was infected.
Obviously this story is far from over.