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Gest: Liza Minnelli 'had herpes'
By Stephen Deal, Metro Last updated at 09:15am on 05.09.06
Liza Minnelli and David Gest’s divorce battle has become increasingly bitter
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Liza Minnelli had herpes and did not tell her husband about it until after they were married, it was claimed yesterday.
The 60-year-old actress caught the sexually transmitted disease before meeting David Gest but kept it quiet at first, his lawyers alleged.
It is the latest twist in their bitter divorce battle which has been raging since they split in July 2003.
'David was devastated when he found this out a year after they had been together and six months after they were married,' an insider told the New York Post.
The Hollywood producer never contracted the disease but his lawyers said they intend to make Minnelli's medical condition a major issue in the divorce.
If Minnelli had herpes before March 2002, that would be fraud and their prenuptial agreement would be thrown out, they said. That would allow him to go after the Oscar-winner's fortunes.
But Minnelli hit back and accused Gest, 53, of making her ill. The star was 'living in fear' during her marriage because Gest was ' trying to poison her with drugs', according to papers filed at Manhattan Supreme Court in New York.
The couple married in a lavish ceremony in March 2002. Michael Jackson was best man and Elizabeth Taylor was maid of honour.
Reader views (3)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
Herpes is a disease. Stop spreading it. Round everyone up that has it and put them on an island. Be responsible and receive the ostracism you so rightly deserve via disclosure. Don't know if you have it? Get a blood test from your doctor. Yes, they can test for it.
- Herpes No, london, UK
People out there think of 'herpes' as a horrible condition. In fact, herpes is something the majority of the population already has. Notice that the legal papers only speak of 'herpes simplex'. They do not mention the word genital. She probably gets cold sores on her lip from time to time. This is mostly caught during childhood. It is not an issue. Did you ever have a cold sore? Ever think to tell the person you are dating that you had a cold sore on your lip 20 years ago?
- Will, Canada
'Herpes', (or herpes simplex, as it is properly called) is found in 60% to 80% of adults. It will usually have been caught on the face or on the genitals and often causes no symptoms at all. It is seldom important but can be a nuisance for some.
The misconception that it is a serious condition that must always be 'disclosed' in a new relationship is something that this charity has been fighting since its inception.
Most people don't know they have it. It is a cold sore, for goodness' sake!
- Nigel Scott, London, England, UK
