“I release myself from this prison today.”
Former Two and a Half Men star Charlie Sheen spoke out this morning on the Today Show with Matt Lauer, following speculation about his health in recent weeks.
In the interview, Sheen revealed that he was diagnosed as HIV positive about four years ago.
“I am here to admit that I am in fact HIV positive and I have to put a stop to this onslaught, this barrage of attacks, of sub-truths … stories that are threatening the health of so many others,” he stated.
“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
When did @CharlieSheen learn about his HIV Positive diagnosis? “About 4 years ago” https://t.co/atJgbHV1X3 — TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 17, 2015
The actor went into more detail about what life has been like for the last few years and how people have reacted to the news.
“I always led with condoms and honesty when it came to my condition.” -Words from letter @CharlieSheen wrote to @MLauer
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 17, 2015
“We’re talking about shakedowns” –@CharlieSheen on people asking for money in exchange for covering up his HIV Positive diagnosis — TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 17, 2015
“I think I release myself from this prison today.” –@CharlieSheen tells @MLauer
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 17, 2015
“I have a responsibility now to better myself and help a lot of other people.” –@CharlieSheen — TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 17, 2015
On Monday is was revealed that Charlie would make a “revealing personal announcement”.
Fans of the actor have been responding to the interview on Twitter.
@TODAYshow @charliesheen Stay Strong, now your truth has taken the fear and shackles away. God Bless #CharlieSheen #Today
— Zudie (@Zudie234) November 17, 2015
@TODAYshow @charliesheen So proud of your bravery, Charlie!! Stay strong and well!!! — julie jamora (@julie_jamora) November 17, 2015
@TODAYshow @charliesheen So sad, a brilliant actor. I hope he will strive to improve his attitude and lifestyle. Good luck with treatment.
— Nancy Payne (@free2meetu) November 17, 2015
@TODAYshow @charliesheen very brave man. — Hayley Stephens (@HayleyStephensX) November 17, 2015
@TODAYshow @charliesheen God Bless you Mr.Sheen- one day a time- handsome as ever
— Teresa Areces (@tareces951) November 17, 2015
@TODAYshow @charliesheen a life-changing disease but hopefully with this announcement he will change lives & encourage ppl to not be ashamed — Melissa Taryn (@melissatarynxx) November 17, 2015