German Pop Star Nadja Benaissa Escapes Jail Time In HIV Case

An HIV-positive German pop star has been sentenced two years of suspended prison term for infecting a former partner with the deadly virus, The BBC said Thursday.

Nadja Benaissa, 28, admitted that she had unprotected sexual intercourse with three people between 2000 and 2004 — despite knowing that she was infected with the virus that causes AIDS. In fact, Benaissa has been aware of her HIV status for more than a decade. She was a drug addict at the age of 14, became pregnant at 16, and then discovered she was HIV-positive at 17 during a routine blood test during her pregnancy.

The ex-member of German pop band No Angels was arrested in Frankfurt last year before performing in a concert. She was charged in April. However, she denied deliberately infecting anyone and apologized during the trial for her actions. No Angels became famous in 2000 thanks to the international TV show Popstars.

Benaissa was found guilty on one count of causing grievous bodily harm and two of attempted bodily harm. She was also sentenced to 400 hours of community service and ordered to attend regular counseling sessions.

Prosecutors sought leniency on her behalf because she admitted wrongdoing and apologized.