For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Charlie Sheen is to make a “revealing personal announcement” on a US breakfast news show, following tabloid claims that the actor is HIV positive. The 50-year-old star of Wall Street and Platoon has rarely been seen on screen since his sitcom Anger Management was cancelled last year, but on Tuesday morning he will sit down for an interview with Matt Lauer, the host of NBC’s Today programme.
NBC did not disclose any further details of the announcement in a release heralding the exclusive interview, but US tabloid The National Enquirer has claimed in a cover story for its 18 November issue that Mr Sheen is HIV positive. TMZ has also reported that sources close to NBC believed Mr Sheen would reveal the alleged diagnosis during his meeting with Mr Lauer.
Mr Sheen was once the highest paid actor on US television, reportedly earning some $1.8m (£1.2m) per episode as the star of Two and a Half Men, until his career spiralled out of control due to a combination of cocaine addiction, erratic behaviour, an outrageous personal life (including multiple allegations of domestic abuse) and Mr Sheen’s public criticism of the show’s creator, Chuck Lorre.
The son of fellow actor Martin Sheen, Mr Sheen has five children and has been married three times: to model Donna Peele and actresses Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller. He also once claimed to have spent $53,000 on prostitutes. Last year he became engaged to adult film star Scottine Ross, also known as Brett Rossi, but the couple called off their engagement after eight months.
People news in pictures
Show all 18
Mr Sheen’s longtime publicist, Jeff Ballard, said in an email that he and the actor were no longer working together. “We had a disagreement how to handle a situation and parted ways,” Mr Ballard said. “We have had a 35-year friendship and I love him. I wish him nothing but the best.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.