Actress Pamela Anderson disclosed in a public speech on Sunday that she drained her personal savings to afford an early hepatitis C cure after living with the disease for over a decade. Anderson, 59, received amfAR’s Award of Courage at a gala in Venice, where she recounted the emotional and financial toll of her diagnosis and treatment.
Anderson’s hepatitis C diagnosis and disputed transmission claim
Anderson revealed she was diagnosed with hepatitis C in the late 1990s, a time when no cure existed. She publicly disclosed her condition in 2002, attributing the infection to sharing a tattoo needle with her then-husband, Tommy Lee, during their marriage. Lee has repeatedly denied having hepatitis C. Anderson described the diagnosis as a life-altering event that influenced her decisions and caused significant emotional distress, particularly due to concerns for her young children at the time.
Financial and emotional burden of treatment
Anderson stated that a cure for hepatitis C became available in 2011, but she faced substantial financial barriers. She reported that the treatment cost her entire savings, as it was not yet covered by insurance. Anderson announced she was cured of hepatitis C in 2015 after completing an FDA-approved regimen. She expressed lingering guilt over her ability to access treatment when others could not, describing the experience as emotionally taxing.
Long-term impact and advocacy
In her speech, Anderson reflected on the shame and stigma she associated with the disease, comparing it to past trauma. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about hepatitis C and improving access to treatment. Anderson’s advocacy aligns with amfAR’s mission to combat HIV/AIDS and related co-infections, including hepatitis C.