Netizens show their support for Charlie Sheen

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.

Hope he uses his star power to spread awareness & his troubled past as a lesson to educate. #CharlieSheen #HIV https://t.co/q6gOuGaHvF
— Pavan Bhat (@pavan_bhat91) November 17, 2015

Let's make this an HIV awareness opportunity, not a #charliesheen in the spotlight moment. Support @LowcountryAIDS. https://t.co/9YDe3k9Lil
— North Charleston (@NorthCharleston) November 17, 2015

#CharlieSheen has #HIV -- hopefully this'll be used as an awareness tool to dispel some mistruths as opposed to selling more magazines.. /p>— The Medicator (@TheMedicator) November 17, 2015

I hope his situation will spread awareness now regarding #HIV & how to prevent getting infected #10; #CharlieSheen https://t.co/zuU3voNAE0
— ف(@DrMariamFida) November 17, 2015

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

I wish @charliesheen nothing but the best. It takes a lot of courage to reveal news like this. #CharlieSheen https://t.co/srPI4MBUFX
— Enzo Rios (@enzoerios) November 17, 2015

Let's be clear #HIV is not a subject of spectacle. It's not a matter of public judgement. It's a personal health issue. #CharlieSheen
— Samy Nemir Olivares (@Samynemir) November 17, 2015

If #CharlieSheen didn't tell the world, or if he did decide to, it is HIS life! He owes you nothing!! Stop being so self-centered!!
— Thean (@TheMrCJ) November 17, 2015

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”.

That anyone would blackmail someone over their sickness is saddening. Your secrets keep you sick. Way to speak out, #CharlieSheen.
— Kaitlin Monte (@kaitlinmonte) November 17, 2015

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.