Burt Reynolds criticised after saying Charlie Sheen ‘deserves’ HIV – watch

The veteran actor made the comments on ITV's Loose Women

Actor Burt Reynolds has been criticised after suggesting that Charlie Sheen is “getting what he deserves” after being diagnosed as HIV positive.

Sheen – best known for his roles in movies Platoon and Wall Street and as the star of hit show Two And A Half Men – revealed his HIV diagnosis last month.

Announcing the news on NBC’s Today Show, Sheen said that he was first diagnosed with HIV four years ago, adding that he did not announce the news sooner because “it’s a hard three letters to absorb”. Sheen also said that he is “not entirely sure” how he contracted the disease.

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Speaking on ITV’s Loose Women, Reynolds was asked about the news, when he replied: “[Sheen has] handled it badly, I think. His father [West Wing actor Martin Sheen] is a very, very decent man and a dear friend of mine.”

He continued: “I feel bad for him. But Charlie? I don’t feel bad for him. He’s getting what he deserves. If you’re going to misbehave, then they’re going to get you.”

“He deserves it. He misbehaved badly. Very badly. But you know when you’re that age, it’s tough. All the things are coming at you and it’s difficult.” Scroll below to watch a clip from the interview.

Reynolds has since been criticised for his comments. Shaun Griffin of HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust told The Independent: “The comments made [by Reynolds] on Charlie Sheen’s HIV status are completely unnecessary. It is not right for anybody to be deemed ‘deserving’ of HIV, or any health condition.”

Meanwhile, Charlie Sheen’s ex-fiancée Scottine Ross has sued the star after claiming he failed to disclose HIV status to her.

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Last month, Sheen claimed that he has always been honest with his sexual partners regarding his health and uses protection: “I always led with condoms and honesty when it came to my condition”. He also said that it is “impossible” that he has infected anyone with HIV since his diagnosis.

“I think I release myself from this prison today,” Sheen said of announcing he is HIV positive. “I have a responsibility now to better myself and help a lot of other people,” he added.

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