Conchita Wurst reveals HIV diagnosis after blackmail threat
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Eurovision Song Contest winner Conchita Wurst has revealed she is HIV positive and has been living with the virus for years.
The Austrian drag queen, who won the competition in 2014, claimed on Instagram that she was coming forward because an ex-boyfriend threatened to go public with the diagnoses.
Wurst wrote that she had been receiving medical treatment for many years and that she was feeling healthy and strong.
The bearded star, the alter ego of Thomas Neuwirth, wrote that “coming out is better than being outed by a third party”.
© Getty
Conchita Wurst arrives to the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2015.
She said: “I hope to encourage (others) and make a step against the stigmatisation of people who through their own behaviour or through no fault of their own were infected with HIV.”
She concluded: “To my fans: the information about my hiv status may be new to you - my status is not! I'm well and... I'm stronger, more motivated and liberated than ever. Thank you for your support!”
© Getty
Conchita Wurst
Aids charity the Terrence Higgins Trust praised Wurst's handling of the blackmail attempt, but claimed it proves how much more needs to be done to tackle the stigma surrounding the virus.
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