Gareth Thomas' ex says 'people run for the hills' after his HIV diagnosis
The ex-partner of Gareth Thomas opened up about his life since testing positive for HIV.
Ian Baum alleged Thomas hid his HIV status from him during their relationship and accused the former Wales rugby captain of "deceptively" transmitting the virus to him.
The former British and Irish Lion has settled the case for £75,000 as well as costs, but it was not an admission of liability or guilt.
Baum appeared on Wednesday morning’s instalment of Good Morning Britain to speak with hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley following the settlement.
He told the TV presenters he now has ‘closure’ from the claim as they went on to discuss the remaining stigma around a HIV diagnosis.
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Susanna noted that there is also a degree of ‘misunderstanding’ about the virus in the population, as she asked Baum how he feels when he explains his diagnosis to others.
Ian Baum alleged Thomas hid his HIV status from him during their relationship (ITV)She said: “When you meet people are these things all big hurdles for you still?”
He said that it was initially, adding: “It’s just people’s education on HIV. When you try to say to people ‘HIV undetectable’ – you say the word HIV and people run for the hills.
“You haven’t even got time to put ‘undetectable' in. People don’t understand you’ve got the virus but you can’t pass it on.”
Susanna replied: “That’s so interesting. People still run for the hills,” as co-host Richard asked if he had experience ‘people backing away’.
Susanna noted there is still a stigma about the virus (ITV)Baum replied: “Yes. They don’t understand it.”
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.
Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas issued a statement on social media (Rowan Griffiths/Sunday Mirror)"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'.
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"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."
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