The outspoken star has never been one to shy away from controversy and now he’s ruffling feathers once again as he fronts a new condom called LELO HEX, which claims to be unbreakable and a sure-fire protector against STIs.
The product has been labelled as a “re-engineered condom” and promises to “revolutionize the world of condoms for good.”
Created from a hexagonal web of latex, the LELO HEX vouches to protect users while not taking away any sensation.
In a raw ad for the condom, which you can watch in the player above, the actor opens up about his own sexual health.
“I think people associate the word condom with less pleasure. With less connection. What may feel like five seconds of an inconvenience, can absolutely prevent a lifetime of potential grief and suffering,” Charlie explains.
Before adding: “It’s a dialogue that people don’t want to have. It’s uncomfortable, it’s awkward. A lot of it has to do with that fantasy belief that can never happen to them. I pretty much felt the same way.”
“I don’t know why it hasn’t happened but the condom has not changed for 70 years. Until now! I sincerely believe I can support LELO HEX.”
Charlie’s bold new ad campaign for the condoms has been devise.
The bold new campaign has divided opinions, with some slamming the decision to use Charlie as their spokesperson and others praising it.
“Gutsy marketing call to go with Charlie Sheen as your condom brand ambassador,” one user tweeted.
“Congrats @charliesheen for using your voice & getting onto the court. @Lelo_Official #condoms #charliesheen #lelo,” a fan added.
While Charlie insists he wants to use his profile to help raise more awareness around safe sex, many have been skeptical.
“If Charlie Sheen did the lelo commercial as awareness that implies some level of redemption, he would have done it for free,” another commented.
“I’m bummed that @Lelo_Official has teamed up with Charlie Sheen. Won’t be buying from them anymore this is massively disappointing,” a twitter user penned.
The actor went public with his HIV-positive diagnosis in November last year.
Last year, the father-of-five admitted he is HIV-positive in a tell-all interview.
The 50-year-old said he was diagnosed about four years ago, but didn’t know how he contracted the virus.
“I am in fact HIV-positive … It’s a hard three letters to absorb. It’s a turning point in one’s life,” Charlie told Matt Lauer on Today USA.
“It started with what I thought was a series of crushing headaches. I thought I had a brain tumour. I thought it was over.”
HIV, which affects the immune system and can develop into AIDS if left untreated, is spread through the bodily fluid of infected people.
In Australia, more than 27,000 people are infected with HIV, and it’s estimated that 12% are unaware of their positive status.
For more information on HIV in Australia, visit the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisation.
