Contrary to what many people think, the HIV virus can invade the blood stream of the beautiful, the rich, the healthy-looking and even the self-proclaimed “Sexy Sensation.”
In a case that proves beyond a doubt that HIV can and will infect a handsome host (and that unsuspecting sex partners who do not use protection are putting their lives at risk), former wrestler and professed lady’s man Andre “Gangsta of Love” Davis was convicted of 14 felonious assault counts by a Cincinnati jury for having sex with a dozen women without telling them he had tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS.
Davis’ ex-girlfriend, identified only as “AS,” sobbed quietly after the verdict was read.
Hamilton County jurors returned the verdicts against Davis, who wrestled using provocative stage names including “Gangsta of Love” and “Sweet Sexy Sensation” after deliberating for 9 hours. Sentencing has been set for Dec. 21. He faces a minimum of 28 years and a maximum of 112 years in prison.
Prosecutors said Davis, 29, didn’t tell his sex partners about his HIV status, or lied to them when asked about it.
All of the the women testified in court that they had unprotected sex with Davis. The judge prohibited the attorneys from bringing up whether any of the women were infected with the virus.
Defense attorneys challenged whether it was proved Davis was HIV-positive and suggested the women were promiscuous.
Davis was rejected for employment by World Wrestling Entertainment in 2009 because he failed a physical by testing positive for HIV. He was hired by the Macy’s customer call center in Cincinnati where he met some of his victims.
Davis is also currently under investigation in Warren County, Ohio according to the Warren sheriff’s office. After hearing news reports about Davis, “additional victims have come forward” and reported sexual encounters with him, the Warren sheriff’s office said.
The statistics about HIV/AIDS infections among black American women are alarming (black women ages 25 to 34 are more likely to die of AIDS they contracted from heterosexual sex with an infected black man, than any other cause of death, including auto accidents, cancer or heart disease). This story underscores the threat that exists for sexually active women who don’t recognize that condoms are essential in this day and age. This is a story that should be shared and discussed with every young black woman you know.
Knowledge is power; or when it comes to HIV, it’s survival. –kathleen cross
