We must extend our empathy and demonstrate our compassion toward all people living with and dealing with any disease, and encourage better understanding and education to reduce the number of people affected by such illnesses.

What we don’t need is a man of Sterling’s dubious motives and questionable character spreading pernicious misinformation and hurtful poison about a disease he seems to little understand.

One thing that Sterling said does, in fact, hold a grain of truth: “You know, because he has money, he’s able to treat himself.” It is true that Johnson’s wealth means that he is able to afford the best medical care, while far too many people living with H.I.V. and AIDS suffer not only for lack of quality health care but also lack of funds, food and adequate housing.

That said, Johnson is still a shining example to people living with the disease that it doesn’t have to be life ending, that you can remain healthy, have a family, have a career and have a life.