During an emotional interview with US breakfast programme the Today show, the Hollywood star revealed the truth behind the headlines.
He told host Matt Lauer,"I am here to admit that I am in fact HIV positive, I have to put a stop to this onslaught of attacks and of sub truths and very harmful and mercurial stories that are about me threatening the health of so many others that couldn't be further from the truth."
When asked how he was diagnosed, he replied, "Four years ago. It started with a series of cluster headaches, migraines, sweating the bed...
"I thought I had a brain tumour, I thought it was over, after a battery of tests, spinal taps... they walked in the room and said this is what's going on. It's a hard three letters to absorb, it's a turning point in one's life."
The Two And A Half Men star also revealed that he had been betrayed by those he had entrusted with his diagnosis, emotionally revealing that he was being blackmailed by people who wanted to use his illness to make millions.
He said: "I told enough people that I trusted, to be in the position and the situation that I am in today."
When asked if he is still paying people in exchange for their silence, he states, "Not after today I'm not... that's my goal... I think I released myself from this prison today."
Charlie also denied that he had knowingly or unknowingly transferred the virus to others, stating firmly that such a thing would be "impossible" as he had told every partner he has ever been with before getting intimate, including two women he had unprotected sex with since his diagnosis.
However, he insists they were aware of his condition and are "under the care of my doctor".
Millions of people around the world live with HIV from all walks of life. The virus does not discriminate against class, race or sexuality.
Thanks to modern drugs, those who have contracted HIV can live a normal and healthy life span and can even have children without passing on the virus.
Find out more about HIV and AIDS at www.nat.org.uk