Could Charlie Sheen be hiding a shocking secret? The National Enquirer has reported that the 50-year-old actor has been suffering from HIV for years, and has spent millions trying to cover it up.
World Exclusive! #CharlieSheen Is HIV Positive — Inside His Shocking Diagnosis! https://t.co/BcgZuBbb9r pic.twitter.com/vfcHQBk4QB
— National Enquirer (@NatEnquirer) November 16, 2015
In the sitcom "Two and a Half Men," the actor famously portrayed the role of a womanizing bachelor. In real life, Sheen's persona is not far from his screen role. According to Radar Online, Sheen has had a long history of indecent sexual escapades and drug abuse. Reports even say that the actor has "boasted of sleeping with more than 5,000 women" in his lifetime.
"Charlie thought he was indestructible and took no precautions - even though he was indulging in high-risk sex practices," a source divulged.
According to the latest issue of Enquirer, which goes on sale on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at least four women have claimed that Sheen has exposed them to the deadly virus.
One insider revealed, "Charlie had sex with multiple partners since learning his HIV status without informing them of his potentially deadly HIV infection."
Brooke Mueller, his ex-wife, also claimed that the actor "potentially" infected her and their children.
"I couldn't handle the HIV news. Just 6 months ago I was diagnosed with the eye disease and then Charlie potentially giving me HIV," Mueller reportedly wrote.
Meanwhile, actress Denise Richards, who was also married to Sheen, is said to have known of his condition for a long time. According to Access Hollywood, the actor contacted the disease after their divorce in 2006.
"Neither Richards, nor the couple's children, have been infected with HIV," the source said.
As rumors continue to pile up, the actor is said to finally announce his condition on NBC's "Today Show."
Tomorrow On TODAY: @charliesheen talks to @MLauer in a live revealing interview pic.twitter.com/0FMRqzZD8m — TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 16, 2015
Howard Bragman, one of Hollywood's top crisis public relations experts, confirmed to the New York Times that Sheen's condition has been an "open secret" among the Hollywood circles.
"I don't think this is a crisis for Charlie," Bragman said. "If he owns it and handles it with respect, then there will be sympathy. He has a chance to do a lot of teaching. This is a disease than can affect anyone."
The "Today Show" episode with Sheen airs on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7 a.m. EST on NBC.
