Elsinore Star Andrew Scott on Why Movies Should Still Tackle the AIDS Crisis

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Published: 2026-10-08T14:50:36.361Z • Permanent link

Andrew Scott, the acclaimed actor known for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody, recently spoke out about why movies should still tackle the AIDS crisis. Scott's comments highlight the ongoing relevance of the issue, despite significant progress made in the fight against the disease. According to Scott, the primary obstacle to addressing the AIDS crisis is the shameful inaction of governments that ignored the epidemic in its early stages. Governments like the United States, where the first reported cases of AIDS occurred in 1981, bear significant responsibility for the devastating consequences of their inaction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 500,000 AIDS-related deaths in the United States alone between 1981 and 2009.

Scott's comments are particularly poignant given the impact of the AIDS crisis on the LGBTQ+ community, which was disproportionately affected by the disease. The disease was initially stigmatized and misunderstood, leading to widespread fear and persecution. However, organizations like ACT UP, which emerged in the late 1980s, played a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for policy changes. ACT UP's high-profile protests and campaigns, including the famous "Silence = Death" march, helped to galvanize public opinion and pressure governments to take action.

The consequences of government inaction are still felt today. According to UNAIDS, there were over 35 million people living with HIV in 2020, and new infections continue to occur at an alarming rate. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious targets to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, but progress has been slow. The WHO's own data reveals that, in 2020, only 25% of people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries had access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), the treatment that is the most effective way to prevent HIV transmission.

The impact of the AIDS crisis on the Cultural & Linguistic domain cannot be overstated. The disease has had a profound influence on art, literature, and popular culture, with many works exploring the themes of identity, mortality, and the search for meaning in the face of overwhelming adversity. The AIDS crisis also had a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community, which was already marginalized and stigmatized. The crisis accelerated existing social and economic inequalities, leading to widespread poverty, unemployment, and homelessness among LGBTQ+ individuals.

The cultural and economic consequences of the AIDS crisis are still felt today. The disease has had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, with many iconic films and performances, such as Scott's own portrayal of Freddie Mercury, helping to raise awareness and promote understanding. However, the industry's response to the crisis has been inconsistent, with many companies and individuals continuing to stigmatize and marginalize the LGBTQ+ community. The crisis has also had a lasting impact on research communities, with many scientists and activists continuing to work towards finding a cure for the disease.

The AIDS crisis is part of a larger pattern of neglect and inaction by governments around the world. The crisis is often compared to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which killed an estimated 50 million people worldwide. However, while the pandemic was eventually brought under control through concerted public health efforts, the AIDS crisis was allowed to spiral out of control due to a combination of factors, including government inaction, lack of funding, and stigma surrounding the disease.