Taylor: AIDS Work Drew Threats

(May 24, 2000) Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor says she received death threats when she first became active in the battle against AIDS. The actress says some of her friends tried to discourage her from being associated with the illness. They said it was distasteful and she was ”crazy.''

Taylor began raising money on behalf of AIDS nearly 16 years ago, when the disease was perceived as something that affected mostly homosexuals. She says the attitude among some people was that the victims ”had brought it upon themselves.'' Taylor says everyone is vulnerable because, ”AIDS knows no color, no race… it has no price tag.''

Taylor is credited with raising more than $120 million for AIDS research. She has also raised nearly $10 million through her own Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Last week Queen Elizabeth bestowed the title of Dame on Taylor in recognition of her acting and charity work.

Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth's ailing sister Princess Margaret, 70, was very disappointed to be missing the Red Hot Aids charitable trust tribute to Elizabeth Taylor at London's luxury Dorchester Hotel. The princess has pulled out of the gala tribute to Taylor because she is too "tired," a palace spokesperson said. "She is not ill. She has carried out a lot of engagements recently."