How did Freddie Mercury contract AIDS?

Who gave Freddie Mercury AIDS? Rumor has it Freddie was infected in the mid to late 70’s, essentially on his first visit (or second) visit to New York, which was the epicentre of the GRID (gay-related immune deficiency) epidemic. By 1982 he was starting to show symptoms of being infected already, and by 1984 he had the first appearance of possible KS (Kaposi Sarcoma) on his body, which he thought was bruising to start with, until more started to appear on his body and face - hence the thicker makeup, and later covering of his legs, and areas where they were.

According to his partner Jim Hutton, Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in late April 1987. Around that time, Mercury claimed in an interview to have tested negative for HIV. For him to have full blown AIDS by 1987, and with average HIV incubation period it means he could have been infected as far back as 1976–1978. As to ‘who’ infected him with HIV (not AIDS), most probably there were several people who exposed him to the virus over the years, and he may well have been re-exposed to the virus more than once by the same person/people. Upon returning from a tour in 1976 he told Mary Austin that he thought he was bisexual. Mary herself has said that their relationship had been different for the last 18 months to 2 years (1974–1976), and they split the same year. After which Freddie began to spend more time in New York and explore that side of his sexuality having numerous one night stands with men, as well as with some women.

We know New York was the epicentre of the HIV epidemic, and we know Freddie was starting to hit the gay bars in New York during his early visits to the US as he found the freedom to explore that side of himself there. Freddie was hanging around with a Russian called Nicolai at this time, who was ‘very’ promiscuous and who would later go on to die from - apparently -the same strain of HIV/AIDS as Kenny Everett. Kenny and Freddie both slept with Nicolai, and shared several lovers with each other, and Nicolai. So, Mercury was probably infected in New York during one of his early visits to the US.

Jim Hutton was the ‘husband' of the late Freddie Mercury for seven years before the legendary Queen singer died of Aids in 1991. He and Freddie first met in a gay nightclub in 1983. Jim moved into Garden Lodge and became Freddie's gardener. Hutton lived with Mercury for the last six years of his life, nursed him during his illness, and was present at his bedside when he died. Hutton said Mercury died wearing the wedding band that Hutton had given him.

On 22 November 1991, Mercury called Queen's manager Jim Beach over to his Kensington home to discuss a public statement, which was released the following day: Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease. My privacy has always been very special to me and I am famous for my lack of interviews. Please understand this policy will continue. On the evening of 24 November 1991, just over 24 hours after issuing that statement, Mercury died at the age of 45 at his home in Kensington. The official cause of death was bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS.

In 1994, Hutton released a book entitled ‘Mercury and Me’, a memoir of his relationship with the famed singer. Within the book, Hutton shared details of his relationship with Mercury as well as some never before seen candid photos of both himself and Mercury together. On New Year's Day in 2010, Hutton died at the age of 60 from lung cancer, just three days shy of his 61st birthday. In 1990, Hutton was diagnosed with AIDS and dealt with it until his death. Hutton, who cared for Mercury during the singers battle with the same syndrome, said that it took him a year to break the news to Mercury that he too had been diagnosed with AIDS. Many believed that Hutton had died from complications with AIDS, however, it was revealed that his death was caused by lung cancer.

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  Kaposi Sarcoma