30 January 2023 , 17:17
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Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas has agreed to pay ex-partner Ian Baum £75,000 plus legal costs after he was accused of 'deceptively' transmitting HIV to him.
It was first reported in August 2022 that Thomas was being sued by Baum, who asserted that he 'failed to take reasonable care' and inform him of his HIV diagnosis before allegedly transmitting the virus to him. Baum alleged he found 'GSK1' medication—which is used for treating HIV—in Thomas' possession before he then tested positive himself.
"On Googling the GSK1 pill, the claimant discovered that the defendant was taking antiviral HIV medication," High Court documents previously reportedly said.
After High Court documents reportedly showed in September 2022 that Thomas admitted to not telling Baum about his diagnosis at the start of their relationship but did deny transmitting him the virus during their relationship, it's now emerged he has agreed to pay his former lover. However, it's noted his settlement was 'not an admission of liability or guilt'.
Mr Baum's lawyers also confirmed a settlement had been agreed.
Gareth Thomas' ex says 'people run for the hills' after his HIV diagnosis
"I'm making this announcement first before the tabloids take my truth," tweeted Thomas, 48, on Monday. "I am delighted to say that the legal case against me has been settled by means of a Part 36 offer. This is not an admission of liability or guilt. I maintain my innocence in all the meritless allegations."
Baum also claimed Thomas was apologetic during a phone call after discovering his diagnosis in May 2014. However, Thomas denied that phone call had taken place.
"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," argued Thomas' defence. "Whilst the defendant understands now that this was incorrect, it was a genuinely held belief at the material time."
Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas issued a statement on social media (Rowan Griffiths/Sunday Mirror)He went on to describe the £75,000 (plus legal costs) payment as "nothing compared to the many multiples of that sum" he'd have had to pay to defend himself in court.
The 2005 British and Irish Lions tourist went public with his HIV-positive status in 2019 when he said he wanted to "break the stigma" around the condition.
Thomas and Baum had started to see one another in October 2013, engaging in an on-and-off relationship until January 2016.
HIV treatments have existed for decades and can reduce the viral load to nominal levels, allowing sufferers to live near-normal lifespans in many cases. However, the virus can develop into late-stage HIV or even the much more dangerous AIDS if left untreated.