Pamela Anderson recently opened up about her battle with hepatitis C, revealing that a doctor once told her she had about 10 years to live after her diagnosis in the ’90s. At the amfAR Gala in Venice, she spoke about how this news affected her life, especially her fears for her young children. She had disclosed her condition in 2002, attributing her infection to sharing a needle with her ex-husband Tommy Lee, a claim he disputes.
After years of feeling overwhelmed by guilt and shame, Anderson shared that she was able to access a cure around ten years later, which she had to pay for out of pocket. She described the treatment as harsh, likening it to chemotherapy. By 2015, she announced that she was hepatitis C free.
During her speech, Anderson emphasized the importance of reducing stigma surrounding the disease and encouraged others to get tested. Despite her recovery, she acknowledged the lasting emotional impact of her diagnosis. “I was angry. I was scared. I went into sabotage mode,” she said, linking her feelings to past traumas.
Anderson has since continued to work in film, with recent roles earning her nominations and recognition in the industry. In her speech, she reflected on how art has been a means for her to express herself and heal.
