In the wake of his interview with Matt Lauer on the Today Show, Charlie Sheen has now penned the below open letter about his diagnosis via USAToday (full interview here). It starts with...

"Roughly four years ago, I suddenly found myself in the throws [sic] of a seismic and debilitating three-day clustermigraine like headache. I was emergently hospitalized with what I believed to be a brain tumor 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."

He then touched on the amount of money he has parted with in an effort to keep the news secret:
"In and around this perplexing and difficult time, I dazedly chose (or hired) the companionship of unsavory 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 center 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 skullduggery 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 rebalance themselves."

One of his exes, porn star Tabitha Stevens, tweeted the below response to the news...


Fellow adult actress, Mia Isabella, was a little more forgiving. Speaking with Us Magazine, she said: "That is hard news to hear I’m saddened but know him as an incredible person and advocate. My memories of him reflect a warrior and super brave person so I know he will navigate through this with strength. He isn't afraid of facing any public scrutiny and speaking frankly and I have nothing but admiration for his friendship. It's especially important and commendable to discuss the constant and high level of testing and industry standards for professional adult models. This situation shows that no matter who you are in life someone close to you could be affected and it is often closer to home than you would imagine.Those people should not be shunned or shamed as showing compassion could help save a life."

One of Charlie's Goddesses, Bree Olson, had this to add via a video she posted to Periscope: "I'm so tired and I'm so upset. Charlie responded back calling me a liar. I had to learn with the rest of the world, Charlie, that you contracted the HIV virus the same year we were with one another. People still aren't letting up. People are still like, 'you're giving people HIV, you're a f***ing w*ore, you should die'. The only thing Charlie should say is I'm sorry, not call me a liar. You think I want this publicity? Like I want the name Bree Olson attached to HIV for the rest of my life now? I want to crawl in a hole and die."

Porn star, Ginger Lynn - who was with Sheen in the early 90s - posted the following on her website: "I loved Charlie back then, and I still have love for him today. The Charlie I knew was kind, warm, loving, funny, intelligent and generous. I wish everyone could know that man. HIV is not a joke, nor is it a punchline to some offensive comments about my friend Charlie Sheen. And shame on those of you who think for some twisted reason it’s funny. Because it’s not. I thought that we as a society had moved beyond that - beyond the stigma."

Ex wife, Denise Richards has said she'll always be there for Sheen...

While fellow ex wife Brooke Mueller had this to add...

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