Charlie Sheen denies 'hasty' negotiating ploy in 'Two and a Half Men' talks

Charlie Sheen wants the world to know he hasn't been "hasty or negligent," at least when it comes to his future on "Two and a Half Men."

In a statement to People published Friday, the troubled star blasted the media for "much speculation and rumor" regarding his status on the CBS sitcom. Sheen's publicist confirmed earlier this month that the star had told friends he wanted to leave the top-rated show, prompting speculation that Team Charlie was engaged in a negotiation ploy. Sheen's contract is up at the end of this season, and the actor was said to want a hefty raise, despite the fact that he's engulfed in a pending criminal trial related to a domestic violence incident involving his wife.

"All of the numbers reported in the press are false," Sheen said in his statement, without offering specifics. Regarding the contract talks, he added: "Both parties have known the score for over a year. In no way has this been a hasty or negligent eleventh-hour surprise." 

Sheen alluded to the fact that the cast is due to wrap filming of the season's final episode Friday night, saying: "If tonight's show is the end for me as Charlie Harper, so be it."

But while Sheen's words dangled the possibility of his exiting the series, they stopped short of saying that he actually would, or of offering any insight beyond what he is said to have told friends about wanting to leave. That's probably strong evidence that talks are ongoing. And given that CBS doesn't announce its fall lineup until the middle of next month, Sheen has plenty of time to mull his options and, if he likes, make more statements.

Spokespersons for CBS and Warner Bros., which makes the series, declined to comment.

-- Scott Collins

Comments

[TerCarter]

If they could give 1 million dollars per episode to the cast of both "Friends" and "Seinfeld"...ten years ago...then in 2010...Charlie Sheen deserves 1.5 million dollars per episode. This season "Two and a Half Men" was drawing 17 million viewers and close to a 6 demo. Those are numbers that FOX, ABC, NBC would kill for. Give Charlie the money...end of story! Please...because by "gun point" I don't watch "Sons of Tucson", "Brothers", "Hank", "The Middle", "Community", "Parks and Recreation". The money Les Moonves will save giving the axe to stiffs like "Gary Unmarried"", "New Old Christine" and "Accidently on Purpose"...that dough...must go to Charlie Sheen.

[Bill F]

"Sheen alluded to the fact that the cast is due to wrap filming of the season's final episode Friday night, saying: 'If tonight's show is the end for me as Charlie Harper, so be it.'"

So let it be written....so let it be done.............

[G2D]

Yes, he's a"bad boy" but he brings it home.. I really enjoy him on the show. On the other hand all things eventually come to an end so if he's trying to gouge CBS.. by by Charlie.

[Gary]

@TerCarter: Thanks, Charlie.

[Norman Mac]

i agree rock & roll charlie!!

[Dillon Crawford]

I think that if Charlie Sheen wants a raise in the sitcom, they should do it! CBS is making enough money just from that show to support his needs. Charlie Sheen is the best actor to ever walk the face of this Earth. But, if CBS is not willing to grant Charlie Sheen what he wants, I think he should go into the movies. Who knows, he might actually like it just a little more. The only problem I have with him doing this is, he is not always guaranteed a star position in the movies and he may not be in as many as he wishes. So if the movies don't work out, he should try and keep Two and a Half Men close in case the movie position doesn't work out with him. But I do wish him the best of luck!

[Bobby]

Dillon Crawford YOU MORON, Sheen USED to be in the movies. That's why he's on TV now. Ever heard of Wallstreet and Platoon? God some people are so stupid.

[Wouter]

Well, is it official now? Has he left or not? How big is the chance 'he'll be back on 'men'? PLZ comment and ONLY if you have confirmed news...no guessing or rumors plz...THANK YOU