When? Approximately what year did that event take place?
I guess it was 1984....
'84, '85.
Were you aware in 1984-85 that there was a fatal disease out called AIDS...
...and that you could contract it through sexual activity?
I'd heard of some-- I'd heard of a thing....
The gay plague. The gay cancer.
We didn't know how you could get it or that it killed you.
Do you need a break, Mr. Beckett?
No. No. I could use some water though.
John, would you bring Mr. Beckett some water, please?
While you were at Wyant-Wheeler, you made sure no one knew...
...that you were an active homosexual, is that correct?
No.
That's not correct. I never lied about it.
As a homosexual...
...one is often forced to conceal one's sexuality.
Isn't that right?
In some circumstances.
You've pretended to be something you're not...
...so much so that the art of concealment and dishonesty--
Your Honor, I object.
I'll withdraw it, Your Honor.
Mr. Beckett, were you living with Miguel Alvarez...
...in 1984 or '85, when you had your...
...anonymous sexual encounter in the porn theater?
Yes.
So you could have infected him, isn't that right?
-Miguel has not been infected. -You didn't answer my question.
You could have infected Mr. Alvarez at that time, is that correct?
Yes.
You say the lesions were visible...
...to the people that you worked with, correct?
That's right.
Is it your contention that when they saw these lesions...
...they leapt to the conclusion...
...that you had AIDS and they fired you?
As painful as it is...
...to accuse my former colleagues...
...of such reprehensible behavior...
...it is the only conclusion I could come to.
Do you have any lesions on your face at this time?
One. Here, by my ear.
-May I approach the witness? -Yes, you may.
Remembering that you're under oath, answering truthfully...
...can you see the lesions on your face in this mirror from three feet away...
...answering truthfully?
At the time I was fired, I had four lesions and they were much bigger.
Could you answer the question, please?
No, I can't really see them.
No.
No more questions, Your Honor.
This is a good time to break. We'll reconvene in the morning.
I hate this case.
May I have five minutes and redirect?
Mr. Beckett, can you go on for five minutes?
-Three minutes. -Yes.
May I borrow your mirror, please?
Andrew.
Do you have any lesions on your body, at this time...
...that resemble the lesions on your face at the time that you were fired?
Yes, on my torso.
Your torso. I would like to ask Andrew to remove his shirt...
...so we all can get an idea of what we're talking about.
Objection, Your Honor. It would unfairly influence the jury.
If Andrew was forced to use a wheelchair due to his illness...
...would he have to park it outside so as not to influence the jury?
We're talking about AIDS. Let's see what we're talking about.
I'll allow it. Mr. Beckett, would you please remove your shirt?
My God, what a nightmare.
He asked for it.
Andrew, can you see the lesions on your chest, in this mirror?
Yes.
Thank you.