'I'm An HIV-Positive Man!' ABC Host Karl Schmid Comes Clean, 10 Years Later
March 26 2018, Published 2:00 p.m. ET
ABC News' Karl Schmid is HIV positive and doesn't care who knows it. This Friday, the beloved TV correspondent came clean about his health crisis in a touching Facebook post to his fans.
"I work in television. And on the side of the camera where, for better or worse it's considered 'taboo' for people 'like me' to be 'like me,' " said the 37-year-old reporter.
The Australian-born hunk — who is openly gay — continued saying that he's kept his secret for about a decade, because industry professionals warned him it could ruin his career.
"For 10 years I've struggled with 'Do I or don't I?' "he wrote. "For ten years the stigma and industry professionals have said, 'Don't! It'll ruin you.' But here's the thing. I'm me. I'm just like you. I have a big heart and I want to be loved and accepted. I may be on TV from time to time, but at the end of the day I'm just an average guy who wants want we all want. To be accepted and loved by our friends and family and to be encouraged by our peers."
"So here's what I say, stand tall, and stand proud," he added. "You can't make everybody happy but you can make you happy. And so long as you tell the truth, you will never have to remember anything. Labels are things that come and go but your dignity and who you are is what defines you. I know who I am, I know what I stand for and while in the past I may not have always had clarity, I do now. Love me or hate me, that's up to you. But, for anyone who has ever doubted themselves because of those scary three letters and one symbol, let me tell you this, you are somebody who matters. Your feelings, your thoughts, your emotions count. And don't let anybody tell you otherwise. I'm Karl Schmid, and I'm an HIV-positive man!"
Following Karl Schmid's reveal, fans took to social media to share their positive thoughts on his message, and even messaged him privately to congratulate him on coming out.
"Today has been insanely overwhelming. I had NO idea that me sharing something would have such an impact. For those of you who dm'd with your stories THANK YOU," he captioned an Instagram post following his reveal.
Schmid often covers events such as galas, parties and red carpets for ABC in Los Angeles.
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