A high-profile Hollywood star has been diagnosed with HIV, it has been claimed.

The unnamed actor reportedly has a long list of exes who include a TV star, a glamour model, an award-winning actress, a religious movie star, a top Hollywood personality and more.

His lawyers are said to be aware of the situation and are preparing for a handful of potential legal claims, according to The Sun.

A source told the newspaper: “It has now become common knowledge that this star is HIV positive, something he has known for a number of years. His lawyers are bracing for the threat of potential action.

“The reality is that if he’s knowingly put women at risk then that’s disgusting and it’s only a matter of time before that becomes public.”

The source continued: “Obviously it would be a huge story, but the reality is HIV is entirely treatable in this day and age and shouldn’t impact his ability to work or lead a normal life. It could be a game-changer in the understanding of HIV given that he’s a straight man.”

It is also reported that friends of the star have suggested he publicly confront the situation, but he’s refused as he’s paranoid his career could become defined by it. He’s also allegedly worried that exes could come forward to sue him.

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Other high-profile stars who are living with HIV, which weakens the immune system and can develop into AIDS, include NBA star Magic Johnson and Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Holly Johnson.

More recently, Danny Pintauro - who starred as Jonathan Bower in hit show Who’s The Boss? from 1984 to 1992 - revealed he had been carrying the HIV virus for 12 years.

Around 100,000 people are living with HIV in the UK, with roughly two thirds of people living with it being men and a third women, according to the National Aids Trust.