Denise Welch apologises after blistering backlash over ‘utterly dangerous’ HIV tweet

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Denise Welch has come under fire after questioning why a straight woman was getting an HIV test, just weeks after it was revealed that straight people made up almost half of all new HIV diagnoses in 2020.

The Loose Women star faced immediate backlash for her misguided comment on Monday (8 February), which saw her ask Conservative MP Maria Caulfield why she was encouraging everyone to get tested for the virus as part of HIV Testing Week.

Her tweet was shared despite the fact Caulfield had made it pretty clear why she got the test in her tweet which read: “Today I joined #HIVTestingWeek by getting a quick, easy test for HIV. Viruses don’t discriminate – anyone can get HIV so I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t yet to find out your HIV status to help achieve our goal to end HIV transmission in England by 2030.”

Indeed, many Twitter users were disappointed by the former Coronation Street star’s tweet and she quickly deleted the comment.

Genuinely very disappointing.

Especially with cases in the straight population overtaking those in the gay community and 37 million living with HIV worldwide

— Divina De Campo stream DECODED (@Divinadecampo) February 8, 2022

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However, the online backlash led Welch to respond to criticism with a grovelling apology as she tweeted: “My apologies. It was Ill informed.

“As a lifelong supporter of the LGBGTQ community it was a result of the govt lies and propaganda which I have questioned for 2 yrs and the timing. I was wrong and I’m sorry x.”

Many disappointed fans stressed how the star’s misguided message was particularly distressing due to recent figures revealing a large number of transmissions in straight people.

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“Denise Welch HIV tweet leaves a bad taste in your mouth; in a year when there were more transmissions of HIV/AIDS in the straights than the gays,” one wrote. “It is a disease that universally effects all people and this bitch out here huffing out of her arse despite living through the 80’s.”

Richard Angell, Campaigns Director at Terrence Higgins Trust, told PinkNews in a statement: “National HIV Testing Week has been running for 10 years to increase HIV testing and promote its benefits. Everyone should test for HIV because anyone can be affected by it – regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or anything else – and it is always best to know your status.

“The number of new HIV diagnoses in straight people is higher than in gay and bisexual men for the first time in over a decade, marking a shift in the shape of the HIV epidemic in the UK. Gay and bisexual men continue to be disproportionately affected, so schedule a regular test.”

My apologies. It was Ill informed. As a lifelong supporter of the LGBGTQ community it was a result of the govt lies and propaganda which I have questioned for 2 yrs and the timing. I was wrong and I’m sorry x https://t.co/9QIgxtedRY

— Denise Welch (@RealDeniseWelch) February 8, 2022

 

He concluded: “For anyone who’s sexually active who has never tested or not tested in a while National HIV Testing Week is the perfect opportunity to know your status and take charge of your sexual health.

“It’s never been easier to get an HIV test and to get a result quickly. You can order a free postal HIV test to do at home via or test in person at a sexual health clinic.”

Indeed, new figures released by the UK Health Security Agency revealed that straight people made up almost half (49 per cent) of all new diagnoses while gay and bisexual men accounted for 45 per cent.

The stats also show that 51 per cent of women, 55 per cent of heterosexual men and 66 per cent of those aged over 65 were diagnosed at a late stage in 2020. By comparison, just 29 per cent of gay and bisexual men were diagnosed late.

Experts are now warning that the true number of straight people contracting HIV is likely even higher because the coronavirus pandemic has led to a 33 per cent drop in heterosexuals being tested for the virus in sexual health services in 2020 – compared to a seven per cent drop in HIV testing for gay and bisexual men.

The news is concerning due to the fact straight people with HIV are significantly more likely to be diagnosed late, meaning they’re more likely to pass it on through sex.

this is actually disgusting??? we're in 2022, surely even Denise Welch understands that ANYONE can catch HIV? getting tested not only helps you protect yourself and others but also helps end the stigma LGBT+ people have faced for decades? why would you even question this? https://t.co/NTDjOkCVB3

— peroxide blonde gobshite (@heyitspoppymae) February 8, 2022

Because apparently, 32 years later, some people still need reminded about the realities of HIV. I’m glad that @mariacaulfield has been tested and is helping to break the stigma, but I’m gutted to see @RealDeniseWelch propagating that stigma. pic.twitter.com/1SuEfQeL3I

— Dylan (@dylanhm) February 8, 2022

Denise Welch has tweeted asking why a straight woman would get a HIV test and the replies are full of people saying that either the vaccine gives you HIV or this is some major plot to create another pandemic to keep us all under control pic.twitter.com/viltVstBu7

— SHANE REACTION (@imshanereaction) February 8, 2022

News flash