HIV-positive Charlie Sheen becomes unlikely face of condom brand

CHARLIE Sheen shocked the world when he announced on live TV that he was HIV-positive.

By Jazmin Duribe

HAPPY AND HEALTHY: Charlie has cleaned up his act since his diagnosis

After years of drug abuse and partying, it seems like Charlie has truly grown up and changed his ways, spreading the message of safe sex and even becoming the face of condom brand, Lelo Hex.

Lelo Hex uses hundreds of individual hexagons across its surface as part of its design – a move the manufacturers say aims to address "the most common complaints people have with condoms today".

The actor shared a video reflecting his own life experiences: "When I went public with my HIV condition the amount of searches went up immediately by millions and a dialogue started taking place.

REVOLUTIONARY: The Lelo Hex condom is said to change condom design forever

"People started coming out of the shadows and walking in the fear, and that was powerful.

"When I heard that, I was proud to have turned something that seemed so completely negative and disruptive into change and healing. Just to put words on it is empowering and a sense of relief."

FAMOUS PALS: Charlie has been getting involved with AIDs charities

Charlie claims he wants to change the way we associate the word condom with less pleasure and connection.

However, Twitter users were suspicious of the brand endorsement and Charlie's motives, calling it a "bad PR move" and suspecting that Charlie was short of cash.

"Buying a condom endorsed by Charlie Sheen would be like buying a weight loss book from Rosie O'Donnell," said one user.

INNOVATIVE: Lelo Hex uses hundreds of individual hexagons across its surface

However, Charlie is taking the new safe sex outlook in his stride.

He thinks that along with his openness about safe sex, the new Lelo Hex will halt the stigma it carries.

Charlie continued: "What may feel like five seconds of inconvenience or a halted or thwarted moment can absolutely prevent a lifetime of potential grief and suffering."