Singer with HIV admits endangering man

August 17, 2010|Associated Press

DARMSTADT, Germany — A German singer facing accusations that she infected a man with the virus that causes AIDS acknowledged in court yesterday that she had unprotected sex despite knowing she was HIV-positive.

Nadja Benaissa, 28, a member of German girl band No Angels, is charged with grievous bodily harm for allegedly infecting a partner with the virus. She also faces charges of attempted bodily harm for having unprotected sex with two other men.

“I am sorry from my heart,’’ she said in a statement read by her lawyer. “No way did I want my partner to be infected.’’

The man who contends Benaissa infected him says that they had a three-month relationship at the beginning of 2004.

Benaissa told the court she became addicted to crack cocaine at 14 and that during her pregnancy at 16, she found out that she was HIV positive.

She hid her illness for fear it would damage her career. Of that time, the singer said in her statement, “I grew apart from everyone, even myself.’’

A verdict is expected Aug. 26.