December 30, 2009: Scary Marriage 3

Charlie Sheen insists no divorce is in works, despite restraining order.

by Jeffrey Cottrill

It hasn't been the happiest holiday season for Two and a Half Men star Charlie Sheen and his family. The actor has been in hot water since Christmas Day morning, when he was arrested and jailed for domestic violence against his wife of less than two years, real-estate investor Brooke Mueller. Although Mueller later recanted her accusations, she still filed a restraining order against her husband.

In spite of the mess, Sheen's manager and spokesman has said that the 44-year-old actor and Mueller are not planning to divorce.

"I have spoken to all parties concerned," Mark Burg, who is also a close friend of Sheen's, told RadarOnline.com on Sunday. "There are no plans for divorce. They are both deeply upset about what happened and are trying to work things out amicably. They both want to get away from all the sensationalism surrounding what happened and quietly resolve things."

Burg also said that rumors of the couple's pre-Christmas separation were unfounded. "Brooke went to Colorado a day ahead of Charlie. That was it," Burg said, responding to reports that Mueller had gone to Colorado to get away from Sheen. "They had not been separated, and neither of them has plans to file for divorce."

But sources close to Mueller told RadarOnline.com another story. According to friends of Sheen's wife, the actor's representatives pressured her to recant her police statement and even offered to pay her.

"Charlie's team will not let up until Brooke recants," one source close to the couple told the website. "He has too much to lose. If convicted of these charges, he'll face prison time. They will promise Brooke whatever they have to in order for her to help get him out of this mess. There will be plenty of public-relations spin. But anyone who knows them knows that they are miserable together and it's just a matter of time before this marriage is officially over." The couple has a prenuptial agreement.

This isn't the first case of extreme relationship drama for the thrice-married Charlie Sheen, who previously starred in the sitcom Spin City and whose film credits include Platoon, Wall Street, Hot Shots!, Being John Malkovich, and two entries in the Scary Movie series.

He once accidentally shot former fiancée Kelly Preston in the arm. His second marriage, to actor Denise Richards, ended among accusations of drug abuse and threats of violence.

Sheen and Mueller have nine-month-old twins, Bob and Max. Sheen also has two daughters with Richards.

Charlie Sheen is due to appear in court on assault and menacing charges on February 8.

• Holiday Tips for Divorced Parents
• Making the Decision: Separation
• Resolving to Keep Your Marriage Together

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