Charlie Sheen HIV Update: Was The Actor's Diagnosis Exposed In The 2014 Sony Hack?
Charlie Sheen officially revealed his HIV status on Tuesday during an appearance on NBC's "Today" show, but new reports suggest the information may have been out there almost two years ago. In 2014 hackers released information from Sony databases, including emails, personal details and more. While it did not make headlines at the time, it appears a discussion about Sheen's diagnosis was included in the leaked emails.
According to Mirror online, the Sony hackers released a virtual correspondence between upper-level executives at the company about the former "Two and a Half Men" actor's HIV diagnosis as well as his drug use. The email is said to have contained a link to a story about Sheen's struggle to work on FX's "Anger Management," which he landed a role in after being booted from "Two and a Half Men" because of a conflict with creator Chuck Lorre. One of the executives on the email chain wrote that it must be difficult "to be a drug addict and be HIV positive" while maintaining a career as an actor. The Mirror reported that the email was sent to John Weiser, the President of U.S. distribution at Sony Pictures Television, Jamie Erlicht, who is the President of U.S programming and production at the company, and Zack Van Amburg, who holds the same position as Erlicht.
The Sony hack took place throughout several weeks from November to December 2014, according to Deadline. The companies computer system was compromised as executives received anonymous threats that their "secrets" would be exposed. That nightmare became a reality in April when WikiLeaks posted documents and emails stolen during the hack online. The site claimed the documents included sensitive information regarding legal matters within the company. They also reportedly exposed a bribery investigation, according to tweets from the WikiLeaks account.
It was initially believed the hackers were North Koreans who had been upset by "The Interview." The film, which starred Seth Rogen and James Franco, created quite a stir. Ahead of it's scheduled Christmas 2014 release threats of terror attacks rang out, causing the film to be pulled from theaters. Instead, Sony decided to release "The Interview" on Netflix, allowing anyone interested in seeing it to view it from the safety of their homes. Sony spoke out against the hacks, saying they "vehemently disagree" with what was done. The company added that they would "continue to fight for the safety, security, and privacy" of employees and clients at Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Sheen confirmed he is HIV-positive during an appearance on NBC's "Today" Tuesday. The actor said he has been aware of his diagnosis for roughly four years.
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