A CELEBRITY stylist whose work on Rihanna’s Paper Magazine catapulted him into the mainstream has disclosed his HIV status.

Farren Jean Andrea announced that he had been diagnosed with HIV on Instagram.

He wrote: “Hey everyone, Many of you may not know that I had been going through a very challenging time in my life, and I feel as though now I am ready to be honest with you all.

“My team recommended that I not share this info, but I have to. Not only for myself, but for anyone else who is going through this struggle, or any others. The truth is that I have been diagnosed with HIV.”

Jean Andrea shot to prominence after styling the Bajan singer back in March 2017 and also regularly styles model and the Weekend’s girlfriend Bella Hadid.

He said that his motivation for sharing the news of his diagnosis was not to seek pity but freedom and asked for people to pray for him.

“My confession is to bring awareness, and to have all of you guys love and support; not only for myself, but also this struggle, or any others. The truth is that I have been diagnosed with HIV,” he wrote.

He added: “My confession is to bring awareness, and to have all of you guys love and support; not only for myself, but also anyone you may know who is positive. This is not easy for me to express. And I am finally in a place where I can be vulnerable. I am sharing my truth not for pity, but for freedom. Self-expression is the best form of truth.”

“I just want you all to know that I love you guys, and that I’m here for you.”

Fans have flooded the Jean Andrea with messages of support.

One said: “Thank God that HIV is no longer a death sentence! Continue to live your best life and reach people with your gifts.”

Another supporter wrote: “We’ve never met in person! But it’s nothing but [love] from over here! Keep pushing you’re dope!”

Jean Andrea’s career in styling was boosted by Rihanna. Since then he has also worked with Jhené Aiko.