Gareth Thomas’ ex-partner accuses rugby legend of ‘deceptively’ transmitting HIV
Ian Baum is seeking a six-figure sum from the former Wales International.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: BBC
Gareth Thomas is being sued by an ex-partner who claims the former rugby star “deceptively” transmitted HIV when they were together.
Ian Baum, 59, has accused the Wales legend, 48, who publicly revealed his HIV status in 2019, of “failing to take reasonable care” not to pass the virus on, according to documents seen by The Sunday Times.
As reported by The Mail Online, Gareth Thomas has denied the allegations.
The paper reports that Baum alleges Thomas knew of his HIV status when the pair started dating in 2013 and hid it from him.
Baum also says, in documents, that he was told Thomas was taking vitamins when he saw the former rugby player taking medication from unmarked bottles.
The claimant also alleges that he has been intimidated by Thomas to keep quiet about the case.
Since publicly sharing his HIV status in 2019, Thomas has been hailed as an “absolute legend”. He also revealed he’d been outed by a tabloid journalist to his parents.
“Since that time the defendant has portrayed himself as a spokesperson for HIV without ever disclosing that he deceptively transmitted HIV to the claimant in 2014,” legal documents read.
The Sunday Times reports Baum is seeking a six-figure sum from the rugby star, but also that Thomas is planning on using handwritten notes from Baum in his defence including one dated 2016 purported to read: “I lied – I already had HIV. Give this to your solicitor.”
Attitude has contacted representatives for Gareth Thomas for comment.
**UPDATE 8 AUGUST**
In its original reporting Attitude missed that Mr. Thomas had been investigated by police over a complaint of grievous bodily harm (GBH) between December 2013 and June 2014.
Thames Valley Police are quoted by The Telegraph as saying: “This relates to an alleged offence reported to have taken place at a property in Datchet between December 2013 and June 2014.
“The investigation was concluded in 2018 following reasonable lines of enquiry. There was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and as such the investigation was concluded.”
The Attitude September/October issue is out now.
