Charlie Sheen says he is HIV positive

The Associated Press
New York
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen waited on the set of the "Today Show" before formally announcing that he is HIV positive in an interview with Matt Lauer on Nov. 17, 2015, in New York City. Sheen said he learned of his diagnosis four years ago and was announcing it to put an end to rumors and extortion.
Andrew Burton | Getty Images

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Former "Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen says he has the HIV virus.

In an interview Tuesday on NBC's "Today," the 50-year-old Sheen says he tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS.

Drug and alcohol use have marred Sheen's personal and professional life in recent years. He was kicked off CBS' "Two and a Half Men" in 2011 after an explosive meltdown that included calling the show's producer "a contaminated little maggot."

His escapades have also included the revelation that he spent more than $50,000 as a client of "Hollywood Madam" Heidi Fleiss' prostitution ring.

"Two and a Half Men" debuted in 2003 and starred Sheen as womanizing bachelor Charlie Harper. It made Sheen one of TV's highest-paid actors and at its peak was TV's most-watched sitcom.

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