Charlie Sheen, who is one of the highest paid stars on US TV, has had two episodes of his show ‘Two And A Half Men’ cut due to time he has spent in rehab for alcohol and cocaine issues – which meant disrupting the show’s production schedule – following a Christmas day brawl with his wife, Brooke Mueller.
The program’s executive producer, Chuck Lorre, said: "Instead of doing 24 shows this year, we’ll be doing 22. "But 22 is a full order. They had asked us to produce two additional episodes, which we normally do. But we won’t do it this year."
Charlie, 44, earns a reported $825,000 for each episode of the show, which he returned to last week, in order to film the last episodes. He had reportedly hired a "sober coach" to accompany him on set and ensure he stayed straight, while attending rehab at night.
A source said: "Charlie wants to get clean. He’s got his demons and he knows it. But he’s doing everything he can right now." Meanwhile last Monday (15.03.10) Charlie pleaded not guilty to assaulting Brooke as he faces three charges – felony menacing, misdemeanour third degree assault and misdemeanour criminal mischief – stemming from her allegations he threatened to kill her with a knife. Since the incident on Christmas day Brooke has also undergone rehab treatment at the couple’s home. A trial date has been set for July 21 and Charlie’s next hearing date is April 19, although he’s not required to be in court in person.
