82 Comments

• Boozwatch | May 04, 2011, 04:18 PM EDT

  Agree. Alcoholism is a tough problem and Charlie deserves love and respect like any of us. Have borrowed his 'sheenius' tag in the latest Gargle Nation article to draw some publicity to the growing body of research pointing to a possible doubling of alcoholism coming our way.

• maloney | Mar 09, 2011, 09:08 AM EST

  Crazy like a fox.

• cathyann | Mar 08, 2011, 07:32 PM EST

  I agree with this view. The media needs to let him alone. Then maybe he could find some real help.

• Mavaureen | Mar 07, 2011, 07:04 PM EST

  Dear Hearts and Gentle People...Please reserve your criticisms and judgments of Charlie Sheen until all the evidence is in. I think that all is not as it seems. If you have never witnessed a loved one have a bipolar episode, then you are blessed. There is no "drug high" that can compare to a manic high. They are invincible, nothing can hurt them, sleep is unnecessary and they are seeing everything more clearly than everyone else. This is their mindset. You ask where are his parents and why don't they do something; the simple truth is that they can do nothing legally. Put him in rehab? With out Charlie's signature that can't be done. Should he physically hurt someone or himself then they can "commit" him for 72 hours, after which he can sign himself out. His loved ones are truly in a Catch 22. Please send your prayers and highest intentions to Charlie, his parents, his children and his ex-wives; please include his godesses because they too are in harm's way.

• rpmschevy | Mar 07, 2011, 01:50 PM EST

  Niall no comment to my post, as usual. The reason the media is after him, rightly so, is that he just cannot stop his ego. Look at this he is going to Haiti. If he wanted to get clean, then like so many others that actually do good in the world, do it silently.

• Searlit | Mar 07, 2011, 09:10 AM EST

  emeraldisle, How heartbreaking! Even though I don't know you, I feel sorrow over such a devastating loss, for you. I knew a few teenagers, when I was growing up, that overdosed. Terribly sad, all of it.

• emeraldisle2 | Mar 07, 2011, 08:10 AM EST

  I couldn't have said it better. Thank you for you honest opinion of what is going on here. Where is his family and why are they not intervening? In 2004, I stood back and didn't want to admit to myself that my son was using drugs again. I came home after being at work for 3 hours and found him overdosed and dead. Maybe intervention in an extreme way, would have avoided this, but I'll never know. He was 28 and today is his 35th birthday.

• ciarajoyce | Mar 06, 2011, 07:55 PM EST

  I'm not sure why anyone finds his ranting interesting; I've not watched any of his public diatribes and plan to continue avoiding them. Mr Sheen needs to grow up and take responsibility for his actions and the folks in the TV & movie industry need to stop giving him a platform on which to make a fool of himself. Also, in case there are folks who think coverage of him in this publication is appropriate because of his Irish name, "Sheen" is a "stage name." His true last name is Estevez. I think when his father started in Hollywood, Hispanic people were supposed to act like stupid fools so his father adopted the last name of "Sheen." That, unfortunately, says too much about the prejudices of the people of the US. The senior Mr Sheen has conducted himself with dignity and has tried repeatedly to get help for his son. As long as Charlie Sheen has an audience, he will continue to act like a fool. The big question is: How long can his liver survive the abuse it's being subjected to? Is Charlie bipolar, manic, or a spoiled brat (spoiled by Hollywood bigwigs making money off his misbehavior)? I can't think of any reputable doctors who would diagnose him based on TV appearances, so I think it's foolish non-professionals to try.

• Searlit | Mar 06, 2011, 03:56 PM EST

  Good, nothing like doing something to help other people, to give your own ego a rest.

• KathyCallahan | Mar 05, 2011, 06:25 PM EST

  I read what Sean Penn said to Charlie Sheen yesterday and it's the best thing that I've heard to date. Charlie tweeted about what he told Philadelphia radio show host - 'My long time best friend Sean Penn gave me one piece of advice in the form of an invitation...to go down to Haiti with Sean and survey the disaster and volunteer alongside him...Maybe my Tusami up here will lead to some good being down there' Hopeful sign I

• Irishjule | Mar 05, 2011, 10:18 AM EST

  I am very disappointed in peterkissel's answer. I feel very sorry for Charlie Sheen and for his family and will continue to lift them up in prayer. I met Martin Sheen quite some years ago and he is a very nice, down-to-earth person and I'm sure he had high hopes for all of his children. It's a disgrace the way the media is treating Charlie. He needs help and PRAYER.

• ronnie4u2o | Mar 05, 2011, 02:00 AM EST

  It's not a joke, the man really needs help . i feel sorry for his kids. and his abused wives. its not too late to save him . he has a lot of talent and in need of Medical Help.

• Nanaof5 | Mar 04, 2011, 03:25 PM EST

  Look up Bipolar Disorder and you will see Charlie Sheen.He needs help which he is not very likely to request at this point because,believe it or not, he feels great-They always do when they are in the manic phase and usually refuse medication-Lithium etc. because in a manic episode,you don't want to be like everyone else.He said that himself. Unless he is a real danger to himself or others, he cannot even be committed to a hospital and that is so sad.the medications do work but, he is a classic caseand this could endup very badly.

• peterkissel | Mar 04, 2011, 02:39 PM EST

  I have a question for Niall: Why is this celebrity-trash subject even being disdcussed in an Irish-centric media outlet? I doubt Charlie Sheen has any thought that he's Irish, and the whole story is irrelevant anyway - to everything in our lives. But for what it's worth, this guy deserves nothing from anyone - if he showed one smidgen of respect for others, instead of referring to his fellow struggling actors as "turds", he might be desrving of a little tiny bit of understanding. But no, sorry, this guy is the epitome of the spoiled a-hole who really things that everyone else is a piece of crap and he's just the next greatest thing to God Almighty. Niall, wake up- he simply isn't wortth your time or ours. I'm very disappointed in your column here - I expect more of you.

• pugsmom | Mar 04, 2011, 09:31 AM EST

  I would blame this as much on our American thirst for sensationalism as the media itself. The media is only giving "us" the smut of which the general populous can't seem to get enough. If we would just quit twittering and gasping at every act of impropriety by movie/rock "stars", athletes who's performances don't justify multimillion dollar contracts, politicians' lascivious lifestyles, ad nauseam, then perhaps we might all become, or at least APPEAR to be, a bit more educated in matters that actually..........MATTER!

• Niamhaine | Mar 04, 2011, 04:00 AM EST

  H-m-m, people who live in glass houses?? You are on here prattling about other's misfortunes all of the time, what makes them different from Mr. Sheen? They all should be left alone, so maybe you will remember that the next time you are hunting for a story.

• Dublinjas | Mar 04, 2011, 03:54 AM EST

  The Sheens have and are great friends of Ireland and things Irish, So to say the least I agree with you 100%.

• haikued2 | Mar 04, 2011, 02:21 AM EST

  Niall you are giving this guy a pass. If we all have some odd responsibility to him because a. he has some Irish heritage; and b. he is an actor, then he has responsibility to us and the kids in the world to not be a self indulgent schmuck. Kids see these folks as role models...what the heck kind of role model is he? No sympathy for a self indulgent rich kid who, if his dad hadn't been famous and rich, would probably be living on the streets snorting coke.

• Mike7571 | Mar 03, 2011, 10:11 PM EST

  Niall, I couldn't agree more!

• shell517nj | Mar 03, 2011, 09:21 PM EST

  Michael Jackson did his best to stay out of the media, he even left the country, that is the difference between Charlie and MJ.

• seamusmoore | Mar 03, 2011, 09:13 PM EST

  Niall, I find your take on le affair Sheen(ie)to be a bit rich, given this website preoccupation with celebrity (Robert Pattison, for one, whoever the useless cnut[sic]is I do not know, and much more importantly, I DO NOT CARE, as is the case with most people with a penis over the age of 16). Your must active blogger on IC is the "Gossip girl", whose picture looks like something my maternal cousins in northwest Mayo would pull out of Broadhaven Bay with a hook in its gullet. Interesting that you say nothing of the dog and pony show carries on with the perpetually inebbriated Shane McGowan. To quote Judy Collins from "Send in the Clowns": "It isn't rich, don't you agree".

• mnelis1 | Mar 03, 2011, 07:43 PM EST

  Well stated, Niall. I couldn't agree more. It's an absolute disgrace the way in which the media has handled this. Vultures wouldn't get a look in....it must be terrible for his parents to witness this on such a massive scale.

• cillowen | Mar 03, 2011, 07:32 PM EST

  they closed all the asylums and let the disturbed be our tele contents. Media and Hollywood oligarchs are having the time of their lives thanks due to a fearing scared obama who's merely their ar.... boy.

• KathyCallahan | Mar 03, 2011, 06:43 PM EST

  I meant to say that I am a HUGE fan of this man...who is falling apart right before our eyes. I will not be twittered by him at this time. I really hope that the son of Martinb Sheen finds counselors/healers who will very specifically help and guide him to develop a deep and abiding relationship with TIME that includes the past -10 min ago, 10 hrs ago, last Christmas Eve...the interview he gave in 1999 after a long stint in recovery facility (20/20 the night before last). Charlie Sheen is a walking and talking example of living too much stuck in a moment and he can't get out of it...Living with out perspective and blind sided by every intoxicating moment -No past or future matters to him...It's all about NOW...(the antithesis of Irish Zen at it's very best when you are in flow but in total control, THINKING and fully appreciative of the past and where your gorgeous toddlers are headed...) He may as well be a prisoner...(and I sincerely hope he is still walking, talking, ranting and running with the best of them next year and 50 years from now. and Charlie...Give your da Martin a break . He loved you the way you loved and worried for your toddlers Bob and Max as they were being taken by police/family services out of your home in the middle of the night (never again)

• IrishJets47 | Mar 03, 2011, 06:32 PM EST

  Dead man walking that what this idoits is. Mark my word won't be long till he get in trouble again with a Ho or the Ho's he have lving with him. Put this bum in jail next time.

• labadugh | Mar 03, 2011, 06:18 PM EST

  I strongly agree..Charlie needs to take a step-back and look at himself and situation from third person perspective and he needs good true friends and professional to help. His father Charlie and family must be so distressed....

• LinLinisme | Mar 03, 2011, 05:45 PM EST

  I agree they should leave him alone.

• Gearoid4 | Mar 03, 2011, 04:55 PM EST

  It would be best for Charlie Sheen to get out of the public limelight for a while. His life has been turned into a real-life version of the film 'The Truman Show'. The downside of fame has come become plain for all to see. It might be best for his family to taken matters in hand and arrange expert treatment in a rehabilitation center. Kipling advised in his famous poem 'IF' that ''If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same'' that you can live up to your full potential. Unfortunately showbiz often does not work out like that with all it's inherent pitfalls and temptations.

• IrishLass127 | Mar 03, 2011, 04:38 PM EST

  I agree totally. The media just gets worse and worse in its ploy to sell papers and get people to watch TV without any care about the person being used so shamefully. It was apparent from the the first interview that sadly, Mr. Sheen is losing it and parade him around like he is in a freak show is absolutely disgusting. Again I totally agree that as a human being he deserves far better and just used to sell more papers and shows.

• ciarrai | Mar 03, 2011, 03:47 PM EST

  My wife and I met his father, Martin, at Heathrow about 3 years ago and he treated us as if we were old friends. We spoke for 10-15 minutes. He must be nuts with what has befallen Charlie. Charlie does need help.

• irislegalperson | Mar 03, 2011, 03:34 PM EST

  Yes, Charlie is out of controle but he is putting himself in the media and regardless of his mental state he is a grown man and difficult for anyone to intervene, even his family. Don't know what his nationality/race is but he is part of the human race. The Irish in Ireland have enough of thier own freak shows to deal with...priests abusing children and taking no responsabilty, the young Irish kids out of controle with drink and drugs..the country is in deep financial despair and your worried about the way the media is treating Charlie Sheen here in USA...That fella just needs a good kick up the behing.

• KathyCallahan | Mar 03, 2011, 03:29 PM EST

  I pray that he recovers and travels a safer pathway. He put up a red flag that doesn't bode well for engaging in the process of self reflection -looking at the past and recalling it when and where you need it the most. Like another Irish celebrity who makes me ill -he says he's profoundly missing that key human trait. But with practice it can be developed and honed over time.

• TheBelle | Mar 03, 2011, 03:14 PM EST

  With all due respect to those who claim that Sheen needs support and compassion: no, he doesn't. He may want it, but I even doubt that. What he needs is to finally see what it means to face the consequences of his actions, as most people in the world usually have to do while growing up. Protecting him from every result of his behaviour is NOT helping; it is only reinforcing that he can do and say whatever he likes and everyone else in the world will make adjustments to accomodate him. With that sort of reward, who (even in their right mind) would want to stop?

• sirpeter | Mar 03, 2011, 03:11 PM EST

  Course he should have respect and privacy.Just because he is a public figure,and makes money by been a public figure,and court's publicity in order to make a living, doesn't mean his personal life is now owned by the public. The media goes to far sometimes.When a human being becomes unwell and vulnerable. The media should back off and give that person time to recover,instead they keep kicking that person while he is down.Like Micheal Jackson some never recover and die. "Let he who have not sinned cast the first stone" or "Don't judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes" Sick people need quietness and privacy to get well again..Doesn't a celebrity deserve that as well.

• AltRockAddict | Mar 03, 2011, 02:53 PM EST

  Charlie has had a psychotic break (induced by many years of substance abuse) that it is highly unlikely he will recover from. It is very sad but when you play with fire you eventually get burned. He may however, benefit from a good old-fashioned exorcism.

• JoanKaren | Mar 03, 2011, 02:45 PM EST

  I agree, the media should back off, but until he realizes he needs help, there is nothing that can be done, short of having him declared unable to care for himself and that is difficult to do in this country. Just hope he comes to his senses soon.

• kcslatts | Mar 03, 2011, 02:33 PM EST

  Give me a break Niall. This guy is a perfect example of celebrity gone bad. He has had numerous opportunities to correct himself. I say use him as a perfect example about the importance of remaining grounded. There is no poor Charlie here, he is and always will be a fraud who only cares about himself and actually thinks he is better than everyone else. Come on, let everyone enjoy a moment or so of Schadenfreude at this loser's expense. You are right about one thing though, his kids deserve better. Does he though? Absolutely not, he has done nothing to waive the onus of the microscope that comes with all the privledges celebrity has to offer. You must be a big "Two and a Half Men" fan to try to get sympathy for this clown....

• ohrightyeah | Mar 03, 2011, 01:50 PM EST

  If Niall thinks the media should leave Charlie Sheen alone, then why has he put a picture of him on the front page of his website, designed to attract as many hits as possible. Is this really the lead Irish-interest story in world today? Typical attempt to gain high moral ground while at the same time milking the story for all he can get from it. Since when is Charlie Sheen Irish? Ridiculous. Sheen does need help. However, celebrities make their living by milking the public's attention - they can't cry privacy when they don't like the coverage they get. Sheen's made his millions by making us care about him, can't expect us all not to want to know what's going on in his life now.

• springbank | Mar 03, 2011, 01:38 PM EST

  What does it matter where his roots from.What he is doing to himself and his family is terrible. But,Leave him alone.He need major help,and the media are making things worst by covering all his rants and he is loving this. If this continues he will reach the point of no return, if he has not already. The 2 ladies really need to go. They have no shame.

• EileenL | Mar 03, 2011, 01:35 PM EST

  Niall,his brain is fried ,he did it all by himself ,

• BurrRobson | Mar 03, 2011, 01:32 PM EST

  What do I think of this article? I think your across the ocean condemnation of the US and our goings on is inappropriate and disrespectful. This newletter I receive periodically does more for me wanting NOT to go to Ireland than anything else. The world's self-permission to suckle off the US generosity while bashing every aspect of our lives here has got to stop. How disrespectful. Niall is an arse.

• Ajreaper | Mar 03, 2011, 01:19 PM EST

  There's plenty of merit in what Niall says and we see examples of it on almoist a daily basis- how many folks grab the cell phone to take pictures or video at an accident scene rather then trying to help? Fights/assualts that end up on youtube because filming it was more important then stopping it. If this was a friend or family member I doubt you'd have such a callous view. Lets be honest is this really "news"? Far from it, like an accident scene we just cannot help slowing and taking a look.

• BarbaraB | Mar 03, 2011, 01:17 PM EST

  I agree with you 100%! He desperately needs help, not people like Piers Morgan and so-called celebrity "friends" verifying his outbursts.

• rpmschevy | Mar 03, 2011, 12:25 PM EST

  People what do you expect from NIALL????? jd has it right, but Niall has no concept of the term responsibility. He himself lascks this, so when he sees someone else failing to do so he thinks we should all kowtow and be apologetic. Funny, when I broke the law, or rules of my house, you know what, I GOT PUNISHED. Anyone here get their mouths washed out with soap when a kid? Niall advocates that criminals come into this country and take from us. He advocates that Mr Sheen here not be criticized, yet Mr Sheen has broken many laws and he has taken, and not returned, much in publicity over the years and yearns for it. Yes it is very sad that this man cannot get control of his life and I for one am sick and tired of seeing his mug all over the internet. However, you reap what you sow Niall. He got tons of publicity and his ego soaked it up, so now he can take tons of criticism and maybe start taking responsibility for his actions, like you have not Niall.

• Niall O'Dowd | Mar 03, 2011, 12:22 PM EST

  re Charlie Sheen's Irsih roots-- here is his father's wikipedia entry Sheen was born in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Mary Ann Phelan (1903–1951) and Francisco Estévez (1898–1974),[1] who was a factory worker/machinery inspector at the National Cash Register Company at the time. Both parents were immigrants; his father was born in Parderrubias, Galicia, Spain, and his mother in Borrisokane, County Tipperary, Ireland.[2]

• maggiebags | Mar 03, 2011, 12:19 PM EST

  Charlie Sheen needs support and compassion, not the criticism and judgmental attitudes that serve no purpose. He is losing everything he loves, everything he worked so hard for because of the addiction. When he is on the very bottom, or dead from an over-dose will the media and people who have said hateful things about him feel better? I love Charlie and the Two and a Half Men sitcom - I am saddened to know that this is probably the end of that show, but much worse is the fact that unless he can get some help the world will lose an extremely talented individual - he needs help, not all the negativity from those who are sitting in judgment of him.

• jdi2269 | Mar 03, 2011, 11:48 AM EST

  THIS GUY HAS BEEN PROTECTED BY "THE SYSTEM" AND MONEY FOR YEARS. PERHAPS IF HE HAD BEEN THROWN IN JAIL YEARS AGO AND THEN SENT TO THERAPY, HE MIGHT NOW BE ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY!

• donalbolton | Mar 03, 2011, 11:45 AM EST

  hahahah! Charlie Sheen, who is as fully Mexican-American as he is Irish-American, is as skillful a manipulator of the media as the media may be of him. He is hardly a victim of media blitz abuse. He engendered most of the storm surrounding him and thinks he can control it. He is most definitely an unwell person, but refuses any help except that he must undergo to stay out of jail. If Mr. O'Dowd, a member of the media utilizing Charlie Sheen's breakdown, wants to truly feel sorry for any star going nova, consider the plight of little girls like Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears, who have been put to work since they were 3 and whose guardians have been on their payroll.

• eileen murphy | Mar 03, 2011, 11:40 AM EST

  I agree this man is very ill.He needs prayers as his father had asked.The media is making money on watching a man distruct....he is heading for DEATH.This is what addiction looks and acts like on the way to the grave. I am an American nurse for 37 years and can't believe how most Americans have such a lack of knowledge about addiction and co-dependence.We don't know how to handle addicted human beings. Hollywood only wants money they don't care/know that he is dying.If they really cared for this guy they would not allow him back to work till after at least a year in rehab if not 2 years.This may help to save his life. Please pray for him and his family ,who are also suffering watching their loved one die in front of millions. Shame on American media.Get educated about addiction this may help a love one of yours some day. Oh by the way FINALLY medicine has isolated 5 genes responsible for alcoholism.Since mutiple family members of mine are alcoholic I knew this as a young child. God bless!!!!

• Searlit | Mar 03, 2011, 11:39 AM EST

  If he had been fired the first time he mistreated a woman, he might have learned something. Instead, he was allowed by the courts and the media to spiral down into worsening behaviors. It's a sad situation for everyone involved. I hope he gets better.

• kathyflav | Mar 03, 2011, 11:36 AM EST

  Since when is Carlos Estevez Irish? And the media is only reporting what he's rantng about--he's the one who's got diarrhea of the mouth! He's an indulgent, spoiled brat who needs to be committed (voluntarily or involuntarily) to a hospital or mental institution to get some long-term help.

• jamieLM | Mar 03, 2011, 11:21 AM EST

  I'll bet if Bristol Palin were an alcoholic and drug user and had 2 "gods" living in her home taking care of her toddler son, we'd read all about it on IC. IC has already printed several unflattering columns about her that were not newsworthy. Anyone could've read that info about her somewhere else. There's nothing special about her or her situation that doesn't apply to many single unwed mothers in the U.S., except that she's the daughter of Sarah Palin. Why did she deserve space on IC? You're critical of sensational media coverage, and rightly so, but I think IC has also been guilty of it at times. My kids probably have more Irish ancestry than Bristol has but IC isn't going to publish articles about them.

• derrymarch | Mar 03, 2011, 11:19 AM EST

  We love Charlie and Two and a half Men! Please get well. The O'Sullivans, Paris

• srdools | Mar 03, 2011, 11:14 AM EST

  Estevez is Irish? hmm? But anyway they should leave this guy alone.They must not like Charlie,but I do and I hope he gets some actual help.

• Ajreaper | Mar 03, 2011, 11:07 AM EST

  He's a train wreck getting ready to happen and in the digital age that's going to be well covered because we all like a good train wreck. If that was not true they'd cover something else because it's all about ratings. He could help himself a bunch by shutting his own mouth, if he's willing to do that he owns what the result is.

• hyperion | Mar 03, 2011, 11:07 AM EST

  This rich, overprivileged F--- is a symptom of the WORLD's obsession with celebrity meltdowns. The worst offenders are the scandal reporters from the British Isles and Australia. So how dare this reporter attack the American media or Americans, most of whom actually work hard to contribute something to society, unlike Sheen, who has produced crap films, and even crappier television.

• jmcmahon | Mar 03, 2011, 11:06 AM EST

  Charlie, friends and family need to remove him from this media fed downward spiral before it is too late. He needs treatment - not attention.

• seagreen | Mar 03, 2011, 10:59 AM EST

  Charley Sheen is a pain in the ### and a wealthy indolent lout.. Just go away Charley.. Lets save the sympathy for someone worthy of the effort.

• nancyleonard | Mar 03, 2011, 10:57 AM EST

  Sheen set up the circus tent. He deserves what he gets. Hopefully he will get real treatment.

• TheBelle | Mar 03, 2011, 10:55 AM EST

  Any media coverage of Sheen - any, including this article - is only adding fuel to the fire. Even in the unlikely event that someone had not already been bombarded with his story, this article could be just the "teaser" that may make them search elsewhere to see what it is they're missing. It's so easy to place blame on any-and-everyone else, but Sheen is in desperate need of attention, and would have found a way to expose himself, so to speak, with or without their help. He did, in fact - with his twitter account. He's determined to force himself on our notice, and did so; otherwise the media would have had nothing to report. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of brainless journalism by any means, but Sheen is the one who is responsible for the current circus, and no one else. He started this nonsense, and anyone who expects reporters or bloggers who do this for a living to give up their paychecks to respect his privacy, (when they know that that's the opposite of what he wants right now, and that he would only find someone else who was willing to listen), may as well expect cows to fly.

• Beatriz | Mar 03, 2011, 10:24 AM EST

  This is an excellent article and I couldn't agree with it more. Sometimes our comedians exploit real tragedies and we as a nation applaud them because they make us laugh, but hey, this is not funny, we're watching the disintegration of a man here and that's very, very sad.

• adrienrain | Mar 03, 2011, 10:22 AM EST

  As to the other issue, to the extent that drugs are a problem, they are a HEALTH problem. Decriminalization of drug use would free the country up for TREATMENT, rather than the even more expensive imprisonment.

• adrienrain | Mar 03, 2011, 10:19 AM EST

  As one who has watched a family member slip into insanity, I have been saddened by the joy some people take in this. I can only surmise that this is the darker, even uglier, side of celebrity fixation.

• jamieLM | Mar 03, 2011, 10:19 AM EST

  There's a market for this type of media coverage or it wouldn't happen. Charlie Sheen also has some responsibility for putting himself out there for people to see how he's conducting himself in his "private" life. Many actors thrive on media attention - good or bad - and are active participants with Twitter accounts, TV & radio interviews, outrageous behavior, etc. Charlie seems to be one of these people. He's in denial, but he needs help and lots of it - and soon.

• sonshine1949 | Mar 03, 2011, 10:14 AM EST

  Clearly Charlie doesn't want help. He is having too much fun pretending to be the victim. It's garnering him the media attention he craves as much as the drug he claims he is no longer using. Only a daily clean blood draw will convince me he isn't using anymore. As for Martin - why in the world hasn't he petitioned for custody of his grandchildren?!!! Mine would never have been in that situation that long without an effort on my part to remove them. Apparently, "parenting" is a lost art.

• LizzieNewins | Mar 03, 2011, 09:59 AM EST

  In reply to Colkelly, if Martin Sheen petitioned the court for guardianship of Charlie, the court would appoint an attorney to Charlie.He would have to consent to giving his father guardianship.That would never happen. My son is autistic, and when he turned 18,his dad and I petitioned for guardianship and the court appointed our son an attorney,even though he isn't capable of understanding the proceedings. They do this to protect people from having their lives hijacked by unscrupulous types who are after their state aid or assets. Charlie is, in my opinion, Bi-Polar and extremely Manic.Even off drugs, he is exhibiting delusions of grandeur,hyper-inflated ego,extreme symptoms of self-importance, insomnia,etc.The right medications could bring him down to Earth, and save his life.This is the time of year that many bi-polar peole go manic,and obviously his drug and alcohol binges were attempts to self-medicate because of the torment in his mind that he chooses to pretend to enjoy, as a way of seeming in control.Millions of people with manic-depressive friends and family members can see it for what it is.Yes, the media is exploiting it,but he is enjoying the attention.His family is doing the right thing by letting him spin out.It's called refusing to enable him anymore,because he has no right to make them sick,too,with worry and guilt. Those babies should be taken out of that atmosphere.They were at risk of suffering countless bad incidents.He needs a good psychiatrist,and quickly..

• floridafinn | Mar 03, 2011, 09:50 AM EST

  Guardianship is an idealistic solution. It protects him from himself, but will only drive him further away from really trying to come to terms with his addiction, possibly by his never coming to terms with it. His father is a religious (and it appear to me) a spiritual man. He knows he must rely on a higher power to bring Charlie to his 'bottom.' Also to be ready and willing when he gets there if he ever does. That's the way it is. The vultures may in the end bring him to his bottom. Stranger things have happened.

• REMITROMJR | Mar 03, 2011, 09:45 AM EST

  First, this poor excuse for a human being is leading the lifestyle he chose and enjoys and is NOT seeking "help" so the media is doing just what they should...they are profiling just how delusional massive abuse of drugs can make someone who has/had the world by the tail. In addition, there is also the component of Sheen USING the media; he's made his bizarre behavior into a bargaining chip that will probably result in his getting a million dollar an episode raise. So weep me no tears for Charlie Sheen, let's just hope he self-destructs before he becomes a role model to kids.

• Shmrck5S | Mar 03, 2011, 09:42 AM EST

  People read this garbage, just like they watch Big Brother and Real Housewives and that god-awful Bret Michaels show, and even DWTS. The media are giving the lifeless idiots what they want, and making money for their companies. That's what they're supposed to do. So sad....but that's what we've come to.

• Prevailer | Mar 03, 2011, 09:42 AM EST

  It is a tragedy that displays the serious mental health problem of a troubled man for comedy instead of leaving it alone until his private life is back to a normal state of mind. But bi-polar rants are more interesting to follow than a drug addict going through the shakes and quakes of withdraw. It SELLS as Reality TV. Is it ethical, is the argument?

• erieshark | Mar 03, 2011, 09:32 AM EST

  It's easy to play the media blame game. But this is a guy who is the highest paid star on TV, who has made a complete spectacle of himself, and has chosen to give these interviews. Does he have mental issues? Clearly you do not have to have a doctorate in psychology to diagnose it. As they say in recovery, sometimes you have to hit rock bottom. I would say he is getting pretty close.

• tommurphy | Mar 03, 2011, 09:30 AM EST

  That's "first" step, not "fist" step. Clarification is needed here, as it appears that Charlie is capable of either these days. If he doesn't "eat their hands off" first...

• tommurphy | Mar 03, 2011, 09:26 AM EST

  Yes, but. Charlie Sheen, if we're to presume any autonomy for him, has a hand in this too. "The media" didn't set up his Twitter account overnight: he (or rather, people at his behest) did. While the media - in this case, NBC - may have set up a live shot outside his home at 4:30 in the morning PST yesterday, he didn't have to be interviewed. Nor did his attorney, but both chose to appear. Clearly he's not in his right mind, and the media does bear some of the responsibility, but so does Mr. Sheen. Taking some here - in the matter of his media appearances - would be a fist step towards taking some responsibility for his life. The media provides a microphone but Charlie is doing the talking. The fact that he's a few bricks shy of a load these days is hardly the Today show's fault.

• ejclizzie | Mar 03, 2011, 09:24 AM EST

  As the parent of a recovering alcoholic, I would agree with the above. However, as long as Charlie is in complete denial and insists that he is "in control" and does not need help, the feeding frenzy will continue.

• colkelley | Mar 03, 2011, 09:20 AM EST

  It is horrifying to watch someone destroy himself with drugs (which some readers would like to see decriminalized) to the point of losing all meaningful personal relationships, his career, and his children. Unfortunately, as an adult, he cannot be summarily hauled into court, declared non compos mentis, and shuffled off to the psychiatric care he so desperately needs. One would think that his father (who I regard as a left-wing loon) would have the gumption to use the interviews - including Charlie's admission of excessive consumption of illegal and addictive drugs - to petition the Court for guardianship so he can force him into intensive in-patient treatment. That Martin Sheen has not done this indicates a failing as a parent.

• Jamcelt | Mar 03, 2011, 09:15 AM EST

  Welcome to America. The feeding frenzy for this kind of crap is insatiable. The media are only partly to blame. It is the pathetic reader, who needs to get himself a life, who buys it. Thus fuelling the frenzy. The whole culture needs to be examined.

• wjb1tex | Mar 03, 2011, 09:13 AM EST

  I have never like Charlie Sheen and do not like his father either. His father said Bush was a white knuckle drunk which is absurd. When asked about his own son, even back then, he said the difference is his son got treatment but Bush never did. Having said that I think the media can be described as the enabler in this case. The man is in serious trouble and desperatly needs help. Not media interviews that further delude him into thinking he is really OK. I think it is deplorable and I hope he gets the help he needs soon. Before it's too late.

• avemaria | Mar 03, 2011, 09:10 AM EST

  Finally, someone in the media has the conscience and the courage to say what needs to be said and put a stop to the exploitation of Charlie Sheen.I agree completely-this has become a circus and the media holds primary responsibility by giving him an open forum.

• BishopSean | Mar 03, 2011, 07:57 AM EST

  Excellent article. Charlie seems to be on his way to "rock bottom." Let's hope he cries out to the Lord, Jesus first.

• IrishMike71 | Mar 03, 2011, 01:24 AM EST

  Very well said. I agree. It's sad that our media here in the U.S. thrives on humans self destructing and the continued "fear mongering" it spews daily. Media is not the "award winning" entity it once was. it's almost as if the large majority have become "smut peddlers" with thier stories. There should be an "all good news" station reporting on humans helping, giving, winning, doing right. Those stories NEVER make it into the daily broadcasts anymore.it's more important to report on what Jersey Shore member got drunk and assualted someone.

• Darrell | Mar 03, 2011, 12:38 AM EST

  ...As far as the media goes, he also finds comfort there, because they are not the enemy, they are a link to fans and ppl who adore him and praise his work and appreciate him as a talented man. His family right now on the other hand is somewhat of an enemy as they are gravely concerned and obviously pushing for a reborn Charlie. Like most men, Charlie is proud and very independent... if he wants two godesses right now, so be it... if he wants to buy them a couple cars, so be it... if he wants to do drugs, he will... and if he wants to go to rehab, he will, but only when HE is good and ready. His famliy already has intervened which had a terrible reaction as far as Charlie's defensive attitude and resentful view on the subject. The man is in an obvious disposition regarding his addictions, so let him be. Back off as far as highlighting just that of his personal issues. There is a whole lot more to Charlie Sheen and it seems like as soon as addiction came into the picture most ppl forgot that. Drugs and alcohol don't define this man and he will surround himself with those singing that song right now.

• Darrell | Mar 03, 2011, 12:22 AM EST

  Yes, Charlie has gone through a profound tragedy regarding his twins, but regardless they are still his kids and always will be and Charlie knows that. He is fully aware that this is a traumatic situation among many that will be stained in the memories of himself and his boys. Ultimately, he finds comfort in knowing that this is not the last time he and his boys will be together again. As far as the media goes