Chuck Lorre and Warner Bros. push to arbitrate battle with Sheen gains momentum
While Charlie Sheen waits for a day in court, arbitration proceedings to sever his ties to Warner Bros., the studio that fired him from the hit CBS comedy "Two and a Half Men," are starting.
Last week, Sheen's legal team filed a breach of contract suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court seeking at least $100 million in damages from Warner Bros. and Chuck Lorre, the executive producer and co-creator of the CBS sitcom.
Warner Bros. has argued that, per Sheen's contract, the case belongs in arbitration, and JAMS, formerly known as Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, has accepted the studio's request and is in search of an arbitrator to settle the dispute. Chuck Lorre's lawyer, Howard Weitzman, has also confirmed that JAMS has agreed to arbitrate the producer's battle with Sheen as well.
Sheen's lawyer, Martin Singer, is trying to resist arbitration in favor of a jury, a person familiar with the matter said.
Both Warner Bros. and Lorre will need to file motions with the Superior Court to get the suit referred to arbitration. Those motions are expected within the next two weeks.
In an email, Singer said wrote that the JAMS decision on Lorre and Warner Bros. "has no impact on whether our lawsuit goes before the courts or is to be arbitrated." Ultimately, he added, "the decision as to whether our suit stays in court or is arbitrated is to be made by a judge."
The news of Lorre’s successful effort with JAMS was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
-- Joe Flint
For the Record: This post was updated to include a response from Sheen's lawyer Martin Singer.
I can't believe the airplay wasted on this toad.
Posted by: BB_Jones | March 16, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Charlie Sheen+100 Million Dollars =Winning!
Posted by: annymous | March 16, 2011 at 07:31 PM
I hope Charlie gets more than a 100,000,00 million and the producers rott im not even watching big bang anymore ...bring charlie back !! looser
Posted by: Eddie | March 16, 2011 at 07:34 PM
of course WB may not be allowed to benefit from ARB clause if they are in breach. It all depends on how the contract was written.
Posted by: Sadsack warrior | March 16, 2011 at 07:35 PM
see the lawyers.
see the lawyers count the money.
It would be very nice of the LA Times to publish the income supplied, not just the outcome.
Posted by: Harold A. Maio | March 16, 2011 at 08:20 PM
Charlie hasn't even gone to court yet or sat in a hearing and he's Already WINNING, this guy is making a fortune! way to go Charlie!! You have proven you will NOT be defeated!!! Can't wait to see your show in Boston, can't wait to get the call that I'll be your next goddess & Intern. WINNING!
Posted by: jules01930 | March 17, 2011 at 05:46 AM
If there's an arbitration clause in Sheen's contract, then he's obligated to arbitrate the case. I don't think even Marty Singer can get around that one.
Posted by: Brett | March 17, 2011 at 10:23 AM
binding arbitration means essentially a settlement ( probably un disclosed).
charlie did make some good moves by being available for every tv interview around thus showing he was ready to play. whereas WB/ CBS decided to pull the plug saying he was not fit/available/ sober /healthy enough to play.
charlie's team provides the jurors the numerous interview clips showing a sober and available Sheen.
I expect Sheen walks away with $50 million ( 2 yrs worth of pay) and then 2.5 men may or may not be dead.
plus since the show is in sindication all will get paid over the life of the sindication run.
WB/CBS probably mis played their hand here. Lorre got emotional instead of pragmatic. we can all kill ourselves slowly each weekend ( and keep our jobs) as long as we are ready for work on Monday.
Posted by: xane | March 20, 2011 at 07:56 PM
It is too bad this has all happened. the show is wonderful, funny and entertaining. Personally, I feel sorry for his co-stars, they are now out of work due to his temper tantrem. And Allen was the funniest along with Jake, they made me laugh in every show. Charlie does need help and has needed it for a long time. He talks and makes no sense at all. He is in his own little manic world. I hope his family can rescue him before it is too late.It may take a court judgement before he listens to anyone, as he does not think he has a problem.Very sad....
Posted by: Debbie Foley | March 22, 2011 at 03:38 PM