The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry has paid tribute to “absolute legend” Gareth Thomas and said he is “appalled” the former rubgy star was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis.
A post shared on the Sussexes’s Instagram page included a personal message praising Gareth for “saving lives and shattering stigma”, after the Welsh fullback told his social media followers he was living with HIV.
Read more: Gareth Thomas’s emotional video after homophobic attack
Harry said: “Gareth, you are an absolute legend! 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.
“We should all be appalled by the way you were forced to speak your truth, it is yours and yours alone to share on your terms and I and millions stand with you.”
Over the weekend, Gareth shared a video in which he told followers his “secret” makes him “vulnerable” but not “weak”.
— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019
He said in the clip: “Hello, I’m Gareth Thomas and I want to share my secret with you.
“Why? Because it’s mine to tell you. Not the evils that make my life hell, threatening to tell you before I do. And because I believe in you, and I trust you. I am living with HIV.
“Now you have that information, that makes me extremely vulnerable, but it does not make me weak.
“Now even though I’ve been forced to tell you this, I choose to fight, to educate and break the stigma around this subject.”
Speaking further, Gareth said his “fight” starts with the Iron Man challenge in Tenby, where he planned to “push [himself] physically to the limits”.
He continued: “I’m asking you to help me to show that everyone lives in fear of people’s reactions and opinions, but that doesn’t mean we have to hide. But to do this, I really really need your support.”
Hours after revealing he has HIV, an emotional Gareth Thomas completes the Ironman triathlon and runs straight for a hug from husband Stephen. https://t.co/NiORdACDOk pic.twitter.com/8GBRtcOfIM
— ITV Wales News (@ITVWales) September 15, 2019
Read more: Prince William and Kate Middleton offer their support to ‘legendary’ Gareth Thomas
After finishing the gruelling race event on Sunday (15.09.19), the 45-year-old was seen running to embrace his husband Stephen.
Gareth was reportedly forced to disclose his HIV+ status after a newspaper discovered had the virus.
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