Vienna hosts Europe's biggest AIDS research charity event

Updated: 2015-05-17 14:10

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Vienna hosts Europe's biggest AIDS research charity event

Eurovision Song Contest winner Conchita Wurst (R) performs on stage in front of Vienna's city hall during the opening ceremony of the 23rd Life Ball in Vienna on May 16, 2015. [Photo/CFP]

Actress Charlize Theron was among the celebrities in attendance and took the stage to urge continued support both for her South African AIDS charity organization and the world-wide fight against HIV, a message backed by her partner, Sean Penn.

Also there were singers Paula Abdul, Mary J. Blige and Kelly Osbourne, burlesque artist Dita Von Teese, and of course Conchita Wurst, the Austrian cross-dressing winner of last year's Eurovision song contest.