Charlie Sheen Pens Open Letter About Being HIV Positive: 'My Partying Days Are Behind Me'

By
This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.

During Matt Lauer's Today show interview with Charlie Sheen, the co-anchor read a letter he received from the 50-year-old actor that went into further detail about him learning that he was HIV positive four years ago.

ET obtained Sheen's open letter in its entirety, where he uses his unique choice of words to share the struggles he's faced since his diagnosis. 


Roughly four years ago, I suddenly found myself in the throws of a seismic and debilitating three-day cluster-migraine 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.


WATCH: Charlie Sheen Reveals He's HIV Positive


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.

MORE: Could Charlie Sheen Face Legal Action After Revealing He Is HIV Positive?


The personal disbelief, karmic confusion, shame and anger lead to a temporary yet abysmal decent into profound substance abuse and fathomless drinking. It was a suicide run. 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.

MORE: Charlie Sheen's Doctor Says Actor Has an Undetectable Level of the Virus in His Blood


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)


PHOTOS: Charlie Sheen Through the Years


News Flash: This ends today. I’m claiming back my freedom. The scales of justice will swiftly and righteously rebalance 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.


MORE: Bree Olson Claims She Learned of Charlie Sheen HIV Diagnosis Via Media


Every day, of every month, of every year, countless individuals go to work, man their stations, fulfill their professional obligations with a host of disabilities. Diseases, imperfections, hurdles, detours. These 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.


Earnest Hemingway once wrote: 
“Courage is grace under pressure.”


MORE: Brooke Mueller Confirms She and Kids Are HIV Negative After Charlie Sheen Interview


I’ve served my time under pressure; I now embrace the courage, and the grace.


Love and Peace, Charlie Sheen

During his interview on Today, Sheen confirmed that his ex-wives, Brooke Mueller and Denise Richards, were both aware that he is HIV positive. Following his appearance on the morning show, Mueller confirmed to ET through her rep that she and her 6-year-old twin boys, which she shares with Sheen, are not infected. A source also confirmed with ET that Richards, along with her and Sheen's young daughters, are HIV negative.

Related Gallery