BY: DM
Published 4 weeks ago
TikTok personality Mainly Mannie, best known online as his comic alter ego “Boss & CEO,” told fans in early October that he was diagnosed with HIV after a summer of mysterious health setbacks and a frightening loss of mobility.
Mannie rose to viral fame through short, character-driven videos as “Boss & CEO,” a persona that made him one of TikTok’s standout comedic voices and earned him millions of views. The same audience that once laughed with him is now rallying behind him following his health update. Here’s what Mannie shared about his current condition.
Mainly Mannie is undergoing treatment for HIV.
In a series of emotional videos filmed from a hospital and rehab facility, he revealed that he learned about his HIV diagnosis earlier this year and is now receiving treatment and rehabilitation. “Life has been trying to take me out lately,” he said. “From the accidents, the sicknesses, and then me finding out I had AIDS and HIV in the summer. I couldn’t walk after the summer.”
He also addressed the source of the infection in blunt, saying he believes an ex-partner withheld their status. “Listen, I am not the victim here,” Mannie said. “Yes, my ex gave me this and I didn’t know, he hid a lot of things, but I’m not a victim because I had signs. I was so deep in love. But God is good. I know now.”
Mannie said he went public not only for transparency with his 1.5 million followers — who know him for his viral “you have been promoted” videos — but also out of necessity. He explained that his HIV medication costs around $4,000 a month and that he started a GoFundMe to help pay for treatment and rehabilitation. The fundraiser quickly raised thousands of dollars, and Mannie promised to donate part of the proceeds to HIV charities once he’s able.
“I have a platform with so many great supporters so I know I can’t die out here,” Mannie wrote. “I have great support and I’ll survive. I do this GoFundMe to help others because it’s the right thing to do!”
Treatment for HIV can be costly.
HIV is a chronic condition that modern medicine can manage effectively. However, it remains a major global and national health issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tens of thousands of people have received HIV diagnoses in recent years. In 2023 alone, the U.S. and its territories reported about 39,000 new cases. Prevention and treatment efforts continue to focus on testing, early treatment, and reducing disparities. Globally, UNAIDS estimates that about 40.8 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2024.
And while treatment availability has expanded, many people still face financial and systemic barriers to long-term care. That dual reality, treatable yet costly and stigmatized, came up repeatedly in Mannie’s updates. He expressed gratitude for the care he’s receiving, acknowledged the financial strain, and said he plans to use his platform to support others once he’s back on his feet.
Do you think more influencers should talk openly about health challenges like this? Comment below!
