German Pop Star Nadja Benaissa Confesses in HIV Trial: I Had Unprotected Sex

(CBS) From the time she was 16 years old, German pop star Nadja Benaissa knew she had HIV. She was three months pregnant at the time.

But that didn't stop the singer from having unprotected sex with at least three partners since then, according to charges brought against her in a German court. The 28-year-old is accused of "causing bodily harm and attempting to cause bodily harm," by not informing her lovers of her status, according to AFP.

At least one former lover is now also infected with the virus, although, according to the news service, it's not clear she infected him.

"I am so sorry," she told the court, according to AFP.

"When I was arrested I realized that the way that I had dealt with the illness had been wrong," her lawyer read from her statement. "I made a big mistake."

She was arrested last year and released. According to AFP, the singer denies she intentionally infected anyone with HIV.

Her band, "No Angels," was a major European act in the earlier part of the decade.

Her trial is expected to last until the end of the month. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Should HIV-infected people who knowingly have unprotected sex be put on trial?