High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale victim of HIV hoax - Today's News: Our Take

Ashley Tisdale by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage.com

High School Musical "senior" Ashley Tisdale this week was targeted by a sophomoric prank, as an online site or two spread a rumor that the starlet had been diagnosed as HIV-positive. "The story is completely untrue," says Tisdale's rep, Scott Appel.

The false tale claimed that Tisdale contracted HIV through her recent rhinoplasty procedure, and even was "backed up" by a bogus statement from Cedars-Sinai saying, "Ashley and her family are trying to come to terms with this horrible development. They only ask that you pray for Ashley’s health and to please respect their privacy." A spokesperson for the medical center denies issuing any such statement. — Matt Mitovich

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Jun 7, 2008 9:46 AM

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I hope they find the jerk who started this rumor and the Tisdales take him/her to civil court. That is a nasty rumor to start about someone. I have been HIV positive and have seen and felt the stigma that goes along with this.
Posted by bantling14 Jun 7, 2008 10:07 AM Report Abuse

This kind of propaganda is all over the internet and mature people have to stop it in its track. If everyone questioned everything they read it might help instead of believing the salacious stuff immediately and then worse - spreading it.
Posted by CinderAngelkc Jun 7, 2008 1:12 PM Report Abuse

One of the most troubling things about the Internet is the lack of conscious behavior regarding innocent people's lives. Strict laws and regulations should be in place to punish people who do this to others. Sad to think how far human behavior is falling thanks to a few malicious individuals.
Posted by PatMc Jun 7, 2008 3:38 PM Report Abuse

The Internet breeds anonymity. Anonymity breeds anarchy.
Posted by Dagnabbit Jun 7, 2008 9:13 PM Report Abuse

From my original post... Forgot to put the length of time I have been HIV positive... that would be 20 years.
Posted by bantling14 Jun 7, 2008 10:10 PM Report Abuse

This is horrible. I can only imagine how she and her family have felt. I agree that she should find out who did this and sue for damages. I truly hope the person is unmasked. How can anybody make this up? Incredible.
Posted by chattypatra Jun 7, 2008 10:35 PM Report Abuse

Guess what pogoss? Perhaps you should wait until you are old enough to comprehend what is being said here before commenting. Most adults do not "moo" each other. Only bovines. If the shoe, er, hoof fits. . .
Posted by PatMc Jun 8, 2008 8:38 PM Report Abuse

That's awful! I hope something is down about this! Pogoss.. i shake my head at you... Congrats bantling14! That's wonderful.
Posted by indy500 Jun 9, 2008 4:11 PM Report Abuse

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HSM Star Tisdale Targeted by HIV Hoax