One of those is that the TV personality removed labels from his HIV medication so his partner would not know what they were. He has also been accused of using controlling and coercive behaviour (1) to stop his HIV status becoming known.
Mr Thomas’s legal team has submitted a 15-page document to the High Court responding to the allegations. The document confirmed Mr Thomas and Mr Baum started a relationship a the end of 2013, and Mr Thomas said the couple did not have penetrative sex for the first four months because he had an injury. It also said the issue of HIV was never discussed.
Mr Thomas, also know as Alfie, said while he knew he had the virus, he did not think he was able to pass it on. “The defendant genuinely and reasonably believed that he could not transmit the condition to others whilst his CD4 count (a measure of immune function) was not at a dangerous level requiring medication. Whilst the defendant understands now that this was incorrect, it was a genuinely held belief at the material time.”
Gareth Thomas disclosed he was HIV positive in 2019
(1) Another sportsman’s relationship allegedly incorporating criminal behaviour:
In September 2012 the Government published guidance which may assist prosecutors to better understand the nature and features of controlling or coercive behaviour.
Domestic violence and abuse is defined as:
“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.”
Unlike Giggs, though, Thomas is being taken to court in civil proceedings.
I’ve always liked Gareth but hes very wrong on this one, he should have told this man his status not waited to be asked. Its at best reckless and at worst evil and deliberate.
The ex partner says he was not infected with HIV before his relationship with Thomas .
Thomas was wrong not to disclose this but his ex partner was not a child either knowing the possibility of HIV among gay men would be something to discuss ?
I don’t know as heterosexual people can catch HIV too and is it something that people discuss with possible sexual partners ?
Now, 49% of new diagnoses in England are among straight people (with an almost even split between men and women), compared with 45% for gay and bisexual men.
Plain fact is. If you have HIV, you are totally aware that you are contagious, Homo sexual or straight. It is incumbent on you to inform any sexual partner and take appropriate precautions. You are so wrong, Mr Thomas, you need locking up.
I can’t answer for Omah but there’s no harm in discussing it. It kills any romance I suppose - especially if you ask for a medical certificate - because nobody can be trusted to tell the truth. If someone said to you “Oh I have HIV” would you still want to get intimate? I wouldn’t.
Not sure if it was deliberate (if you mean passing it on) and I imagine in Gareth’s case not mentioning it was more about the fear of rejection. Doesn’t make it ok though - if you have any STI you should tell anyone you intend to sleep with, and let them decide what precautions they want to take.
Not only that, I’m sure I read on the BBC recently that the over 50s are now actually the largest age group with HIV…
It wasn’t just should HIV be discussed before sex…They were in a relationship for heavens sake !
Of course it should of been mentioned.
The fact GT knowingly risked his partner health is a gross act of cowardliness a betrayal .
In a way it’s like lying by omission it’s what he didn’t say.
Then to deliberately remove labels from medication done to deceive .
He had ample time to talk his health issues over with his partner
I know several youngsters get checked regularly as they are sexually active it seems perfectly normal these days which is why rising numbers in older people is happening as they aren’t taking those steps to stay safe. It appears to be free too as it’s done under the nhs so no excuses for not getting checked.
