Netizens are rallying and showing their support for actor Charlie Sheen following his announcement that he is HIV positive.

As reported by Reuters, Sheen told NBC’s “Today” show he was diagnosed about four years ago and said the reason he disclosed the information was because he was being blackmailed.

"I am here to admit that I am in fact HIV positive," Sheen said during the interview.

The news generated some buzz on social media.

Netizen Pavan Bhat hopes Sheen can use his star power to spread awareness on HIV.





“It takes a lot of courage to reveal news like this,” tweeted Enzo Rios.




During the interview with host Matt Lauer, the actor said one of the reasons he disclosed the news about his health was to stop others from extorting him.

He revealed payments reached into the millions of dollars to people he once considered in his inner circle to “keep their silence”.



Sheen is the son of "West Wing" TV actor Martin Sheen. He has five children from his marriages to model Donna Peele, actresses Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller, and other relationships.