This season of Made in Chelsea, there have been a ton of poignant and emotional moments. From Ollie Locke and husband Gareth sharing their heart-breaking surrogate journey to Paris Smith opening up about her experiences of racism while dating, the latest series has felt more personal than ever.
In the season finale on Monday that theme was no different. In fact, it culminated in one of the most important moments we’ve seen across all series so far: Robbie Mullett opening up about starting PrEP. PrEP is a vital medicine taken to reduce the risk of catching HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by around 99%.
Speaking to Olivia Bentley and Inga Valentiner, Robbie explained that he was going into the New Year with ‘safety in mind’ and got emotional talking about losing a family friend to the AIDS epidemic in 1980s. Pointing to award-winning series It’s A Sin, he called the show the ‘best possible depiction of how awful that era was’.
The touching scene has since been praised by viewers, noting how important it is for us to continue conversations around HIV and AIDS prevention without stigma or shame. Robbie has been incredibly open about his journey becoming sexually active this season, coming out as gay to his fellow cast members earlier this year and later sharing his decision to have sex for the first time with his friend and new housemate Olivia Bentley.
His raw honestly and vulnerability has been incredibly powerful, with many viewers thanking him for raising such big issues.
Robbie previously told The Tab that his decision to come out on television inspired other viewers to do the same with their own family.
‘I’m definitely not a trailblazer,’ he said. ‘But I was so happy to receive the feedback on the moment that I shared with Ollie. It was from all different people. I had a grandmother telling me about how she wants her grandkids to come out and know that it’s okay but doesn’t know if it’s her place to say. I was quite blessed to have received a wonderful message on Instagram. It was from a viewer who came out to everyone but their father. Upon hearing my story about how well my father received the news and how accepting he was, this person said that they came out to their Dad after ten years of hiding, because of my scene. It was incredible to read that.’
Knowing how inspiring he is to fans of Made in Chelsea, Robbie opening up about starting PrEP feels more powerful than ever. Spreading awareness of the medication and reducing stigma around HIV, the young cast member is fast becoming our most favourite.
If you want to know more about HIV prevention or PrEP, speak to your GP or click here for the NHS website****. You can also find out more information or speak to a sexual health expert at**** Terrence Higgins Trust.
Read More:
Paris Smith On Why She Spoke About Racism And Dating On Made In Chelsea
Liv Bentley: 'I Wasn't Ready To Date On This Series Of Made In Chelsea'
Gareth Locke Opening Up About The Reality Of His Mums Alzheimer’s On Made In Chelsea Is Powerful