Rugby star Gareth Thomas sued after ex-partner gets HIV It is alleged Mr Thomas, also know as Alfie, "portrayed himself as a spokesperson for HIV without ever disclosing that he deceptively transmitted HIV to the claimant in 2014". He came out as gay in 2009 following a split from his wife and childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2007, becoming the first openly-gay rugby player in Britain. The couple were married for five years, during which time Jemma suffered three miscarriages. They include: After this illness, which normally lasts one to two weeks, HIVsufferers will have no symptoms for up to 10 years - during which time they will look and feel well. Thomas, wearing number 50, was given another huge cheer when his name was announced over the PA system at the event, which will take 17 hours for some competitors to complete. The honeytrap plot that left father-of-six dead: Moment two women lead victim into his flat to seduce him Why is Britain experiencing so many earthquakes? Gareth Thomas, best known for being a Rugby Player, was born in Bridgend, Wales, UK on Thursday, July 25, 1974. The pair are seen canoodling in a bubble bath as they strip off for. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. Gareth Thomas - Chartwell Speakers Bureau When people find out they look at you differently, treat you differently or they act differently,' he said. His older brothers are Richard and Steven. If HIV is caught late, it can lead to more complications and could ultimately lead to AIDS. The court papers state that when he found out he was positive for the virus, he was left "devastated". The trio live together in Bridgend, Wales. Then I was thinking, 'How long have I got left?'. He found out that he was HIV positive after he went for a routine sexual health test at a clinic in Cardiff. The rugby player said: 'Stephen is from the Valley and isn't used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews, but he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.'. The year after he came out he was voted the most influential gay person in the UK and has since worked with multiple LGBT charities among others. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. The former Wales captain said he had made the decision to settle with Ian Baum 'for myown mental health and that of my family' - insisting that the move was 'not an admission of liability or guilt'. He split with his wife Jemma in 2009 upon revealing his true sexuality, seven years after they married. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has agreed to pay75,000 plus costs to a former partner who accused him ofhiding his HIV status during their relationship. It is alleged he found out Mr Thomas had HIV when he saw a tablet marked GSK1. Onlooker Sue Moore, 58, said: It was a very emotional moment - no one expected it. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. I wasnt expecting it at all. His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. He said he has been living with the virus 'for years' and also revealed he is now re-married to a man named Stephen, 56. He is one of more than 2,000 amateur competitors who lined up at 7am for the swimming leg of the race. He also told that learning of his diagnosis has not been the last trauma he has had to undergo. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. In the video posted to his Twitter page, he said: "I want to share my secret with you. I thought about driving off a cliff. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. Someone with AIDS has both HIV and at least one of a specific list of 'AIDS-defining' diseases, which include tuberculosis, pneumonia and some types of cancer. They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. "It is quite easy to educate people, but to re educate people when they think they know everything about HIV, is even more difficult.". Thomas appeared as a contestant on TV's Celebrity Big Brother where he reached the final three. Gareth Thomas on 'petrifying' ordeal before HIV announcement What a super hero this bloke is. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . The Facebook predator who lured schoolgirls to run away with him is one of 7,000 sex fiends who offended Are YOU a romantic comedy buff? Fresh from completing an Ironman Triathlon, he told Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby that he didn't want loved ones to be scared of catching the illness. He was later rushed to hospital and was suspected to have had a stroke, with fears the impact on his health may have led to his retirement. Thomas made the announcement yesterday -saying sick blackmailers had started using his diagnosis as a weapon. "By doing the Ironman contest he is showing everyone that hes still an incredible athlete. Since going public with the news on Sunday, he has been praised for his bravery by admirers including Princes William and Harry. Thomas said of his husband: Stephen is from the Valley and isnt used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews., The former British Lions captain added: He loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what Im doing.. He took to social media to share his ordeal and requested South Wales police deal with the 16-year-old suspect by way of restorative justice. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. He took to social media to share his ordeal and requested South Wales police deal with the 16-year-old suspect by way of restorative justice. But City went closer with Wells' header and will be disappointed not to have edged a competitive match"I'm really happy for the fans gareth thomas husband,"Scott Arfield grabbed a double as a much-changed Rangers side eased into the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Queen of the South at IbroxTheir application has been very good, so I don't have complaintswhile Granovskaia - named as the best club director in European football earlier this season - is seen as a highly-respected figure within the sport. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. The sporting legend waved at the crowds as he prepared for a marathon later. 'People in Wales will back him, the same as we did when he came out as gay. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. He also claimed Mr Thomas lied to him about his HIV status. Lara Keay For Mailonline Thomas, who is affectionately known as 'Alfie' due to his 'resemblance to the alien character in the TV sitcom 'Alf', battled with his sexuality for years, telling of how he was driven to the brink of suicide on multiple occasions. He hopes that the revelation, and the acceptance that it generates, will fight anxieties about HIV that result from misinformation. Stephen Adams for The Mail on Sunday Thomas has reduced his illness to an undetectable state by taking a daily tablet, meaning he cannot pass HIV on to others. Jemma suffered three miscarriages as the couple tried to start a family during their marriage. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. The 45-year-old was cheered and . Lara Keay For Mailonline Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies aged 61 after brain aneurysm, Peter Andre sets strict rules for Princess after 'signing deal with fashion retailer', Jake Gyllenhaal flaunts rock-hard abs as he slaps former MMA fighter for Road House remake. Gareth Thomas has thanked his husband Stephen for being his "beacon of light". ', Mr Thomas announcing the move on Twitter today - he maintains innocence, Thomas played 100 times for Wales during his illustrious career before he retired from the game in 2011. He described him as a 'role model challenging stigma and prejudice', 'offering hope and resolve to others'. The 45-year-old bravely told the world . Piers and Susanna wished him a happy three-year anniversary. He also receives regular counselling and check-ups. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. Gareth Thomas addresses moment Prince Harry - Express.co.uk He revealed that afterwards he was 'threatened by people who said they would give away my secret', who he feared would 'use it as a weapon' against him and his family. It doesn't control me.'. Welcome to the Coronation! Welcome to the Coronation! Claire Jimenez's 'What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez' is our must-read new "I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. gareth thomas husband,"The focus should be purely talking about footballManchester City (23), Aston Villa (21)'We're on board with what we been asked to do" he says before spontaneously calling Josh Magennis over to free him from the interview. Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. Thomas has confirmed that his husband does not have HIV. their fourth in successionCooper rues 'self-inflicted' defeat Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper said:"I think a lot of it is self-inflictedWe rode our luck at times, of course we did, but we had to stay strongWe were really good to show great characterwinning their last nine league games straight after holding Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at Kingsmeadow in February. He came 413th out of 2,039 participants. He hung up his boots in 20111 and came. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. On how much science had improved treatment, he said: You take a tablet for diabetes or blood pressure but because we deem this so serious, as HIV, nobody can really believe you take one tablet and you lead a normal, healthy, happy life and my husband is not at risk of contracting HIV and hes HIV negative. Mr Thomas had been sued for150,000 in damages by Mr Baum over claims he hadfailed to take 'reasonable care' before allegedly passing the virus onto him. It is claimed he called Mr Thomas for an explanation and according to the documents, Mr Thomas was "very repentant and apologetic". Gareth was expected to cross the finishing line in Tenby at about 7pm. Gareth Thomas married husband in 2016 as he reveals HIV - Metro HIV stays in the body for life, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. Shania Twain reveals ex-husband Robert 'Mutt' Lange is still with her former BFF 15 years after affair was exposed - but says: 'I got what I deserved!' by remarrying pal's spouse Gareth Thomas with his husband Stephen on Sunday Credit: Alamy Live News. As he drove to Cardiff Royal Infirmary, he called a friend in tears: "I told him, Ive got HIV Im going to die. Not the evils threatening to tell you before I do. What will the next pandemic be? Commenting on Thomas going public, a close friend who also played for Wales, said: 'Everyone is shocked and worried for Gareth - but the important thing is he's fit and well. Ive felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Gareth, who was married to teen sweetheart Jemma for six years before coming out, said: I sat down on a chair next to a doctors bench. Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. 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'It looks to me like he's sending a message out to the world about living with HIV.'. Gareth Thomas and husband Stephen deliver supplies to - mirror I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. More info. Unathi Nkayi tells Gareth Cliff why she is suing Kaya FM Stephen was the first to sob in the brief encounter but Gareth had to wipe away tears as he rejoined the race. I didnt feel anger if anything, I felt sorry for him.. Following his diagnosis revelation, there has been a huge outpouring of support. Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost - to suicide. It almost felt as if someone I loved had suddenly died, but he was still standing there in front of me. 'I can still hear their cruel laughter': Dr Alex George bravely reveals he suffered with an eating disorder Public Service Announcement, do NOT watch these ads! The pair have been building themselves up for the moment Gareth announced he is HIV but have been overwhelmed by support from royalty, politicians and other sporing greats. Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. A guy from Bridgend without a single GCSE to his name for one moment changed the world,' he said. Gareth Thomas credits husband for helping him through HIV - Metro Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Moment teenager crashes into back of lorry after 100mph police race, Ken Bruce finishes his 30-year tenure as host of BBC Radio 2, Family of a 10-month-old baby filmed vaping open up, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Ukrainian soldier takes out five tanks with Javelin missiles. Although Gareth Thomas is the first UK sportsman to bravely reveal his HIV diagnosis, he was not the first worldwide. "I dont blame people for thinking it, because I did too, but we need to change that by talking about it and educating people.". The overriding question that everybody said to me the first question everyone says to me when I tell them Im living with HIV is Are you going to be OK?, And its a really compassionate question to ask. The popular television regular and former Wales captain, who. 'I can still hear their cruel laughter': Dr Alex George bravely reveals he suffered with an eating disorder Public Service Announcement, do NOT watch these ads! In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. It was horrendous. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Thomas, who retired from rugby in 2011, went public with his HIV status on the eve of the opening of the Rugby World Cup, which starts on Friday. Gareth Thomas broke down as he hugged Stephen during the Ironman, Gareth Thomas celebrates completing the Ironman, Gareth Thomas: Carol Vorderman reacts to star's HIV diagnosis, Prince Harry backs rugby star Gareth Thomas over HIV revelation, William tribute to Gareth Thomas after rugby star has HIV. When told in a 'matter of fact way' that he was HIV-positive, Thomas said he broke down. With 100 test match appearances he was the most capped Welsh rugby union player until he was overtaken by Stephen Jones in September 2011. We need to break the stigma once and for all. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. His ex-wife was by his side when he came out as gay a decade ago, and he received an outpouring of support in the aftermath of completing the Ironman Wales challenge in a time of 12 hours, 18 minutes and 29 seconds. Gareth is one of the worlds leading international try-scorers, and he has been supported throughout his career by Jemma, who he met when the pair were youngsters. The rugby legend yesterday said he is revealing his diagnosis because he wanted to 'make a difference' by helping end the stigma surrounding the virus. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. 'I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. W.', His brother Prince Harry called Thomas an 'absolute legend' and said: 'In sharing your story of being HIV+, you are saving lives and shattering stigma, by showing you can be strong and resilient while living with HIV.'. Emotional Gareth Thomas hugs husband during race hours after - mirror You have our support Gareth. Gareth Thomas agrees 75,000 settlement in HIV legal battle with ex Gareth takes one tablet a day, and it means he will not infect a sexual partner with HIV. Gareth Thomas says husband has been a "beacon of light" through HIV By "Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions.". During his time in France he was found guilty of assault in 2005. Speaking to the Mirror,he also told how he was threatened with blackmail, forcing him to tell his family of his HIV status before they heard it from someone else. Brooklyn celebrates turning 24 by heading out in Paris with wife Nicola Peltz and Nicola Peltz's fans question if 'feud' with mother-in-law Victoria Beckham is REALLY over as she posts Victoria Beckham leads the sweet birthday messages for son Brooklyn's 24th as the family finally reunite in Tragedies of Everest: The adventurers forever frozen in ice after losing their lives scaling the world's 'Why the last-minute delay?' Stephen is from the Valley and isnt used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews, but he loves me and supports me 100% in what Im doing. Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. The 45-year-old former Welsh rugby captain bravely told the world that he is living with HIV last week, after an . Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas hugs husband Stephen at Ironman Wales When Mr Thomas revealed he was HIV positive, Prince William tweeted: 'Courageous as ever, legend on the pitch and legend off it.'. Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Gareth Thomas has been accused of "deceptively" transmitting HIV to a previous partner, according to High Court legal papers. He contracted the disease from his manager,James Babbitt, who he had entered a romantic relationship with. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? These symptoms, which 80 per cent of infected people experience, are a sign that theirbody is trying to fight HIV. Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday where he spoke to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. What will the next pandemic be? He posted a video on his Twitter Page showing his bruised and cut face from the Saturday night 'hate crime' in the Welsh capital. Me and Stephen have been together four and a half years and I told him about my diagnosis early on in our relationship, said Gareth. "Then I was thinking how long have I got left? I was distraught.. GARETH THOMAS and his husband Stephen have revealed how Prince Harry got in touch after the former spoke out about his HIV diagnosis earlier this month. He said: "She treated me with such empathy and understanding and after about 20 minutes I got myself together.". He was the first British rugby international. The retired Welsh rugby star, who today has taken the brave step of telling the world of his HIV+ status,. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. . 'My parents and loved ones are fine with it,' he said. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a. By Claire Jimenez (Grand Central, fiction) When 13-year-old Ruthy disappeared after track practice, it left the Ramirez family scarred. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. The 45-year-old, who is affectionately known as Alfie, also revealed he has remarried and his husband, a man known only as Stephen, 56, does not have the virus. I maintain my innocence in all the meritless allegations. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! and I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. I've stood on so many cliff edges. That is why The Sun has launched the You're Not Alone campaign. Revealed: The new '23' number plates the DVLA deems offensive and has banned including EU23 OFF and GO23 HEL, The secret WhatsApp mode that lets you EDIT texts after you've sent them. Though he admitted his diagnosis two years ago felt like a death sentence, he says he soon found that, with the right medication, it was manageable to the point that he does not suffer symptoms. "On googling the GSK1 pill, the claimant discovered that the defendant was taking antiviral HIV medication," the documents said. The former rugby player has kept his marriage out of the limelight, but revealed that the pair met while helping children who were struggling in school. Gareth Thomas has hit out at Twitter after a video he shared of himself dancing with his husband was abruptly removed from his feed by the social media platform. He said he would 'never forget' the moment he found out his diagnosis, which came after a 'routine sexual health test' in Cardiff. Heiress, 42, poses with her son Phoenix and husband Carter Reum - after revealing she's frozen . All rights reserved. The allegations, referring to a period between 2013 and 2018, came before Mr Thomas announced in an interview and BBC documentary in 2019 that he was carrying HIV. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups. W.', Surf's up! He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. The Welsh rugby team, who are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, has also shown their support. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. He said: 'I always say now, 'I'm living with HIV. Thomas, though, also revealed he was forced to make the admission. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas hugs husband Stephen at Ironman Wales I just thought, how can somebody put him in that position? "I hope people lining the route cheer extra loudly when he passes them on the road.". You can unsubscribe at any time. Gareth Thomas was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis after sick blackmailers threatened to expose his secret. "Hes a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this. Thomas was part of ITV's broadcast team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019. "But now at 45 I no longer have that, so I am holding on for dear life!". Despite cracking his head in the early rounds, Louganis emerged from the Games as a double-gold medalist and subsequently revealed his HIV. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. 'I used to go to the cliffs overlooking the beach near our cottage in St Brides Major and just think about jumping off and ending it all.'. He said: Gareth, you are an absolute legend! Complete Encyclopedia Formula One (Motor Racing), Hill, Tim and Gareth After hugs and waves to the crowd Stephen wrapped Thomas in a ankle-length camouflage parker coat with a pink lining. Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is married to Stephen. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? He ran across and hugged a man who was visibly crying and that set Gareth off too. He will appear on ITV as a pundit. Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. Also in attendance was his husband, who shared an emotional embrace with Thomas during and after the race. The virus is now 'undetectable' in his system and cannot be passed on providing he continues to take his medication every day. The gesture, which challenged the belief that HIV or AIDS could be transmitted by touch, showed Diana's compassion for other people and sparked the beginning of her work with people affected by the disease. By Samantha Masters. View our online Press Pack. The 46-year-old Welsh rugby. That is why it is so important to get tested early if you have been at risk of HIV, as it will mean that you can access treatment that will prevent you ever getting AIDS. "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. 'Everyone supported him when he came out as gay and that support will be even stronger now.'. Thomas said of his husband: Stephen is from the Valley and isn't used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews. The happy couple were married in front of 70 family and friends including Gareths close pal H from pop band Steps. VideoRussian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. The comments below have been moderated in advance. Mr Baum then "immediately" made an appointment for a HIV test. The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis Credit: Getty Images - Getty. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. This is a subject that because of the 80s scenarios people dont talk about it because thats the only information they have. Why? "People will rally around him in the same way they did when he talked about his sexuality 10 years ago. In sharing your story of being HIV+, you are saving lives and shattering stigma, by showing you can be strong and resilient while living with HIV. 'I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. Gareth Thomas' ex-wife reveals how she's finally found happiness again Gareth Thomas denies court claim that he infected ex-partner with HIV His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. The couple were married for five years, during which time Jemma suffered three miscarriages. He came out as gay in 2009 following a split from his wife and childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2007, becoming the first openly-gay rugby player in Britain.
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