Hellraiser Horrormeister Clive Barker Accused of Giving Former Lover HIV

Filmmaker slapped with breach-of-contract suit amid salacious allegations of sadomasochism and drug use

By Claudia Rosenbaum, Alexis L. Loinaz Jun 06, 2012 11:45 PMTags
Clive BarkerEric Charbonneau/Wireimage

How's this for a scary situation?

Horrormeister Clive Barker has been slapped with a breach-of-contract suit by a former male lover, who, among other accusations, claims that Barker gave him HIV amid a salacious backdrop of sadomasochism and drug use.

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According to documents obtained by E! News, David Armstrong, who reportedly lived with the Hellraiser filmmaker from 1996 to 2009, contends that Barker disclosed in 1996 that he had tested positive for HIV and that Armstrong was diagnosed with the disease afterward.

He also alleges that Barker later admitted to dating his own cousin, who later purportedly died of AIDS, and that the filmmaker had, in previous relationships, "engaged in forms of sadomasochism that involved syringes."

Armstrong describes a lavish lifestyle with Barker that allegedly included $25,000 trips to Hawaii and monthly living and shopping expenses between $4,000 and $12,000.

The suit claims that Armstrong and his daughter from a previous heterosexual relationship lived with Barker in their Beverly Hills residence, where he ran the three-structure compound consisting of living quarters, a pool, an office and a guest house.

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Though not recognized by the state of California, Armstrong claims he and Barker were married in 1996, that he is the beneficiary of Barker's will and is listed as a registered owner of his property.

He also accuses of Barker of breaching an agreement regarding fees from a business venture they set up to merchandise toys and products developed by Barker.

Armstrong is seeking unspecified general, punitive and compensatory damages as well as medical expenses, interest and court costs.

A rep for Barker was unavailable for comment.

Barker solidified his reputation as the go-to filmmaker for schlocky horror thrills with a string of cult hits including Candyman, Lord of Illusions and Night Breed.

His most popular film, Hellraiser, spawned three sequels, and the series has collectively grossed over $48 million.