Sheen sues CBS over show cancellation

Charlie Sheen brought his verbal war against Warner Bros. and the executive producer of Two and a Half Men to the courtroom on Thursday, filing a $100-million US lawsuit seeking to recoup his salary and wages for the show's crew.

The breach of contract lawsuit alleges production was halted on the CBS sitcom to punish Sheen for recent behaviour that has included two hospitalizations and, in recent weeks, a series of interviews where he has attacked executive producer Chuck Lorre.

The filing comes four days after Sheen was fired from Two and a Half Men, leaving the top-rated sitcom's future in doubt.

Sheen's lawsuit alleges that Warner Bros. bowed to Lorre's desire to punish Sheen, and that the producer and studio conspired to blame the actor for causing production to stop.

The suit also was filed on behalf of the sitcom's crew, which was put out of work.

Warner Bros. declined to comment on the suit. Lorre's attorney, Howard Weitzman, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Public battle

On top of Sheen's $100-million request for damages, the 45-year-old actor is seeking punitive damages.

The complaint states that Sheen's most recent contract, executed last May, entitles him to be paid whether or not the series films for up to 24 episodes per season through late 2011.

Sheen's lawsuit states that he attempted to return to the series in mid-February, but was told that Lorre had not prepared production scripts for the season's remaining episodes, which was later shortened.

The lawsuit includes several references to Lorre's ego and claims the veteran television producer of shows such as Roseanne and The Big Bang Theory has trouble managing top-tier actors.

"This dispute is not the first time that Lorre has had problems working with major television stars, including Roseanne Barr, Cybill Shepherd, and Brett Butler," the complaint states.

Sheen's firing had followed a rare, raging public battle between a Hollywood star and those who employ him, with Sheen claiming the right to live as he pleased including the acknowledged use of illegal drugs, although he's said he is currently clean as long as he showed up sober and ready to work.