On "Oprah", Woman Sues Husband for 12.5 Million for Giving Her HIV

It wasn't easy for Bridgette to share her story on "Oprah". Her husband became ill on the way back from their honeymoon. He was soon diagnosed with AIDS. Bridgette knew she was careful with her past partners. She also didn't have unprotected intercourse with her husband until shortly before the wedding. She was bowled over to learn of his diagnosis. She searched the internet to find out if there was a unique way other than intercourse that she should have contracted HIV.

One day upon looking at the family computer she encountered some odd searches and communications. Upon further investigating she learned her new beau was living a double life. He had many sexual encounters with men on a personal site for men. She confronted him with detailed sexual emails she had discovered. His response was defiant. He was a former entertainment executive. He dismissed his behavior as still giving her the privilege of having an affluent lifestyle. Bridgette was successful in her own right being a project manager and already knew how to provide for herself very well.

After divorcing her husband and a seven year court battle, Bridgette was awarded 12.5 million dollars for being infected with HIV from her husband. He has since filed bankruptcy and she has not seen a penny of the judgment. Bridgette did not hesitate to correct "Oprah" when she was compared to being a survivor like Magic Johnson. She gave the audience an education that Magic is not exactly the poster child for HIV. He has unlimited money, doctors and people to cook and care for him. The side effects of the medication are fierce. People on their own have a much harder time caring for themselves with this disease. Bridgette is now limited to the resources she receives on public assistance.

The part of the interview that surprised me was Bridgette announced she was now pregnant with a baby girl. She has found love again and plans to raise her child with the "Baby Daddy". She said that with the treatment she is using, the chances of her baby being infected with HIV is less than 1%. You learn something new all the time on "Oprah".

This interview opened the show theme about men who are "living on the down low". They may be married or involved in heterosexual relationships, but hiding their gay lifestyle. The show also showed interviews with two men who were living secret gay lives. One was married to his high school sweetheart and just devastated her, two children later. He had the nerve to tell her by introducing her to his lover. The other man feared coming out. This was due to the depiction of gays in the Christian church as being pedophiles, or criminals. I guess with hell fire and damnation, who could blame someone for not wanting to come out.

The show was geared towards educating women on how to determine if they suspect the man in their life having an affair, chances are, that affair might not be with a woman.