A pastor friend once shared an experience that left him deeply troubled. He had been preaching to a wealthy congregation in one of Zimbabwe’s affluent suburbs, describing the beauty, peace and glory of heaven. To his surprise, some congregants and their children asked whether heaven had luxury cars, mansions and the lavish lifestyle they enjoyed on earth. If not, they said, they were not interested because such a heaven fell far short of their expectations.
I later asked my pastor friend why he had not also spoken about the harsh realities that come with wealth and fame. Being rich or famous does not shield anyone from life’s challenges. Illness, death, broken relationships, divorce and personal tragedy affect everyone, regardless of status. In fact, fame, fortune and temptation often go hand in hand because those with resources can more easily indulge in risky lifestyles.
There is perhaps no disease that has humbled humanity quite like HIV and AIDS. It discriminates against no one. The rich and the poor, the religious and the non-religious, celebrities and ordinary citizens can all be affected. HIV has claimed the lives of countless people across all social classes, including many talented artists, musicians and sports personalities.
While medical advances have transformed HIV from a death sentence into a manageable chronic condition, stigma and denial remain major obstacles. Some celebrities and prominent figures fear the social consequences of an HIV-positive diagnosis more than the disease itself.
Pride and the desire to protect a public image can delay testing and treatment, often with tragic results.
Sadly, some people still attribute HIV-related illnesses to witchcraft or jealousy from rivals rather than seeking medical attention. Instead of getting tested and commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART), they spend fortunes consulting prophets and traditional healers while their health deteriorates. Zimbabwe has heard too many heartbreaking stories of celebrated figures who died after long periods of unnecessary suffering because they failed to accept reality.
Keep Reading
- Warrant of arrest canceled for illegal billboard accused
- Goblins ‘besiege’ school
- Vieira backs Mane for Ballon d’Or ahead of Bayern move
- The trial of Directors accused of erecting illegal billboard deferred again
I remember an HIV-positive celebrity who contacted me after hearing me speak on radio in 2021. He asked to join our WhatsApp support group called HIV Same Status. Shortly after being added, he requested that the word “HIV” be removed from the group’s name because he did not want any association with the disease. I explained that the group existed to support people living openly with HIV and that removing the name would defeat its purpose. Moments later, he exited the group. He has since passed away after a long illness.
This experience reminded me that many public figures live with HIV in silence. They maintain a brave face in public while privately battling fear, stigma and ill health. Those around them are often reluctant to offer advice, particularly when the person involved is wealthy, influential or famous. Friends and associates simply watch as their health declines.
The reality is that many celebrities live on the edge, engaging in risky sexual behaviour while believing they are untouchable. Some also squander their wealth, only to die lonely, indebted and abandoned by the very people who once celebrated them.
Fans, friends and even romantic partners often disappear when fame and money run out. Hospitals have seen many once-famous personalities spend their final days in isolation.
My humble appeal to celebrities and all those blessed with wealth and influence is simple: remember that illness and death are part of the human experience. No amount of money, popularity or power can make anyone immortal. Be humble, seek medical help when necessary, and do not allow pride to stand between you and treatment.
Value your family, relatives and true friends while your fortunes are still good, because they are often the ones who remain when everyone else has gone. Listen to wise counsel, avoid those who merely flatter you, and never forget that you are a mortal human being, just like everyone else.
At the same time, families of wayward celebrities should not always be harshly judged when they struggle to help during times of illness or death.
Many relatives quietly admit that they never benefited from their famous family members during their years of success and only become involved when medical bills or funeral arrangements arise. There are painful stories of parents who received nothing from their celebrity children except hospital debts and, eventually, their remains.
The lesson is one that applies to all of us, not only to the rich and famous. HIV is still with us. Stigma still kills. Early testing, acceptance and adherence to treatment save lives. Wealth, fame and popularity may come and go, but humility, responsibility and compassion remain the true measures of a life well lived.
*Piason Maringwa is an HIV champion based in Gokwe South, who fights stigma, promotes treatment adherence and educates communities to improve the lives of people living with HIV. He can be reached on +263774322043