VENICE — Pamela Anderson accepted the amfAR Award of Courage at the amfAR Gala Venezia on Sunday, using the platform to discuss her survival of hepatitis C and childhood sexual abuse. The actress attended the event while in Venice for the 83rd Venice Film Festival, where she is promoting the film "Place to Be."

Anderson wore a custom Calvin Klein Collection gown in electric pumpkin orange with a matching satin sash to the gala. Hairstylist John Nollet styled her hair in Old Hollywood waves for the occasion.

Anderson was diagnosed with hepatitis C in the late 1990s. She stated that her doctor told her she had approximately 10 years to live after the diagnosis. "It was a death sentence," Anderson said. She described how the news affected her perspective and priorities at the time.

Anderson stated that her fear regarding her hepatitis C diagnosis was focused on what might happen to her young children rather than fear of death. She has two sons, Brandon Thomas, 30, and Dylan Jagger, 28, with Tommy Lee. The actress contracted hepatitis C after sharing a tattoo needle with Tommy Lee. Anderson and Tommy Lee were married from 1995 to 1998.

The financial impact of her illness was severe. Anderson stated that paying for her hepatitis C treatment "took everything I had in my bank." She noted that her hepatitis C treatment was not covered by insurance at the time. Anderson stated that her experience with hepatitis C felt like it was "carved into my forehead: Damaged goods." She also spoke about the emotional toll, including feelings of shame and guilt.

She stated she felt guilt that others did not have the same access to hepatitis C treatment. This experience has led her to be involved in advocacy for hepatitis C awareness and treatment access. Anderson also addressed her history of trauma.

She stated that she endured sexual abuse as a child. She described this as a deeply traumatic experience that shaped her identity.

Despite these challenges, Anderson emphasized resilience. "I’m not a victim, I’m a victor," she said. She added, "I am strong and capable, more now than I could ever dream of." Anderson stated, "I’m not the damsel in distress, no matter how easy that role is to play." She connected her personal journey to her professional work.

Anderson stated that her truth has come through her work in the arts. She has appeared in the films "The Last Showgirl," "The Naked Gun," "Rosebush Pruning," and "Place to Be." "Place to Be" is a road-trip film co-starring Ellen Burstyn and Taika Waititi. Anderson plays the daughter of Ellen Burstyn in the film.

Anderson attended the 83rd Venice Film Festival to promote the film. On Monday morning, she wore an Elisabetta Franchi suit with a ruffled white shirt, black Santoni pumps, and dark sunglasses. Earlier on Monday, she attended the Golden Lion opening ceremony.

Anderson wore a head-to-toe Carolina Herrera lilac ensemble consisting of a column skirt, billowy chiffon top, and matching Consuelo leather clutch. The Consuelo leather clutch worn by Pamela Anderson cost $1,690. She paired the outfit with cheetah-print pumps and tortoiseshell cat-eye sunglasses.

Ellen Burstyn received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the opening ceremony on Monday. Burstyn is 93 years old.

Timeline

Pamela Anderson first publicly shared her hepatitis C diagnosis in 2002. A cure for hepatitis C became available in 2011. Pamela Anderson announced she was free of hepatitis C in 2015.

What's New

Additional reporting notes that Pamela Anderson has been recognized by amfAR for her courage and advocacy, as evidenced by her receiving the Award of Courage at the amfAR Gala Venezia. It also reports that Pamela Anderson has two sons, Brandon Thomas, 30, and Dylan Jagger, 28, with Tommy Lee.

Later accounts confirm that Pamela Anderson publicly disclosed her hepatitis C diagnosis in 2002, as noted in her speech at the amfAR Gala Venezia. They also highlight that Pamela Anderson stated that her hepatitis C diagnosis "turned my life inside out."

Why It Matters

Anderson’s acceptance of the award shows the intersection of personal health advocacy and public celebrity. Her openness about the financial burden of treatment, stating it "took everything I had in my bank," reflects the systemic issues regarding insurance coverage for hepatitis C during the 1990s and early 2000s.

The actress’s journey from a "death sentence" prognosis to declaring herself free of the virus in 2015 mirrors broader medical advancements. The availability of a cure in 2011 marked a turning point for patients like Anderson, who had previously faced limited options and high costs. Her continued advocacy aims to raise awareness and improve access for others facing similar battles.