Judge keeps alive Hudson estate claim

Press, 20 November 1987, Page 4

Judge keeps alive Hudson estate claim

NZPA-Reuter Los Angeles A judge has refused to dismiss a suit seeking SUSIO million ($l6 million) from the estate of Rock Hudson by a man who says he was the actor’s lover but never knew Hudson had A.I.D.S. Superior Court Judge Paul Turner rejected a motion by Hudson’s estate to throw out the suit, filed in November, 1985, by Marc Christian, who said he had sexual relations with Hudson during a time he could have been Infected with the virus that causes A.I.D.S.

The judge said a jury would have to decide whether Christian, aged 32, should receive any money, He has tested negntive for the A.LD.S.

virus and antibodies. “There is a substantial controversy as to whether it is virtually certain that (Christian) will not contract A.I.D.S. as a result of any sexual contact with Mr Hudson,” Judge Turner said. Hudson, the star of more than 60 films, died on October 2, 1985. at the age of 59 from an A.1.D.5.related illness, three months after becoming the first international celebrity to reveal he had the disease. Christian said he stopped having sexual relations with Hudson when it was announced in July, 1985, that the actor had the disease. Christian’s lawsuit alleged Hudson learnt in June, 1984, that he had

A.I.D.S. but conspired with others to hide his condition. It alleges bodily injury, mental suffering and fraud. Lawyers for Hudson’s estate argued that there was no evidence that Christian, a librarian, has or would ever develop the fatal disease. Christian’s lawyer. Marvin Mitchelson, responded by saying that research on A.LD.S. has not established a time limit for development of the disease after exposure. Mr Mitchelson said Christian had been celibate since breaking off his relationship with the dying Hudson and has been living in fear he would develop the disease or infect others.