CHATSWORTH, Calif.—The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has stated the following in regards to this morning's reported case of HIV in the European talent pool:
The Free Speech Coalition has learned of a confirmed positive test for HIV in Spain. The performer had never tested within the PASS database.
Unlike shoots in the US and Canada, productions in Europe do not currently have access to a standardized and unified system such as the PASS database. While FSC-PASS does not have the power to mandate and control a production hold in Europe, we strongly urge that producers and performers in Europe immediately stop filming.
The case in question is not believed to be related to North American productions. We are working with PASS-affiliated testing doctors at CET and TTS, as well as partners in Europe, to determine what risk, if any, might exist for performers in the PASS system.
In regards to EU productions, FSC strongly recommends:
• That producers and performers immediately engage in a production hold. While FSC has no ability to mandate or control such a hold in Europe, we would urge in the strongest possible terms that production stops for at least 28 days, and up to two months, until the scope of contacts is known and the performer population can be retested.
• Performers retest with an HIV RNA qualitative test, rather than the less sensitive Europe-standard ELISA antibody test.
In regards to US productions, FSC strongly recommends:
• Only work with PASS-tested performers.
• Do not work with anyone beyond the the PASS mandated 14 day test standard.
• If you are about to work with non-US based talent, require a new test.
• If you have worked on a European set, or with a non-PASS-tested performer, within the past two weeks, retest.
FSC-PASS will continue to monitor the situation and is working with PASS-affiliated clinics to determine if there is any increase in incidence for US-based performers in the PASS system.
As a community we urge everyone to be compassionate and considerate of the difficult time the performer who was just diagnosed is going through.
