Former Wales star Gareth Thomas is accused of failing to inform an ex-partner he had HIV before infecting him with the virus.
Ian Baum, who is suing Thomas, 48, in a civil case in the High Court for ‘assault, battery, infliction of intentional harm and negligence’. It's Baum's assertion that Thomas 'failed to take reasonable care' and inform him of his diagnosis before allegedly transmitting the virus to him. Baum's case is based on the balance of probabilities.
It's understood Thomas will 'vigorously defend' himself against the allegations, which allegedly took place while he and Baum, 59, were in an on-off relationship between 2013 and 2018. The plaintiff also said he has proof he tested HIV-negative two months after he and Thomas began seeing one another.
The Mail on Sunday reported Thomas has 'strongly denied' Baum's claims and will launch a 'robust defence'. A source close to the ex-athlete is quoted describing the accusation as 'a work of fiction.'
Thomas, who has not been arrested, has been lauded as something of an icon in the LGBTQ+ community since coming out in 2009. Openly gay players are still incredibly rare in rugby, and Thomas was praised as a pioneer at the elite level.
Thomas was awarded a CBE in 2020 for his services to sport and health, and he's been pictured at events with members of the Royal family on numerous occasions. Following confirmation of his HIV diagnosis, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, tweeted: "Courageous as ever, legend on the pitch and legend off it."
Baum alleged he was HIV-positive within eight months of beginning a relationship with Thomas.
Baum is seeking £150,000 in damages, although the sum could rise due to ‘serious physical and psychological injury’ and a ‘resultant loss of life expectancy of approximately six to eight years’.
