Charlie Sheen wants public trial for 'Two and a Half Men' and Chuck Lorre lawsuit

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — Charlie Sheen showed Tuesday why sometimes warlocks need wings.

The former "Two and a Half Men" star started his day in a Los Angeles divorce court for a child custody hearing, and will end it in Washington, D.C., where he's scheduled to perform his stage show.

And somewhere in the middle was a hearing in Santa Monica for his $100 million lawsuit against his former employers, in which his lawyers argued for a public trial.

Sheen is seeking custody of his twin sons with estranged wife Brooke Mueller. Their divorce will be finalized in roughly two weeks.

Sheen, clad in a black suit and orange tie in court, didn't reveal the hearing's outcome, which was sealed by the judge. Mueller left the courtroom smiling and hugged her attorney, but was equally tight-lipped.

Across town in Santa Monica, Sheen's attorneys told a judge that they want his lawsuit against Warner Bros. Television and "Men" executive producer Chuck Lorre to be heard in a public court and not through private arbitration as his former employers want.

Sheen's attorneys claim an arbitration clause in the actor's contract is unconscionable, but the studio's attorneys contend it is valid. The judge in the civil case has up to a month to render a decision.

Sheen's appearance in the Los Angeles divorce court was relatively subdued, though not without the distinct touches he has displayed in interviews and his stage show. Sheen, who often describes himself as a warlock (among other superlatives), is on a multi-city tour in which he regales audiences with tales of his exploits as one of Hollywood's top-paid actors.

As the judge ordered the courtroom cleared for the custody hearing, Sheen fist-bumped a reporter.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Hank Goldberg sealed the hearing at the request of Mueller's attorney, saying it was "in the best interest of the children" because of "questions of abuse and other inflammatory and emotional issues."

The actor and his estranged wife have sparred in court in recent months, with Mueller accusing Sheen of threatening her with a pen knife.

The couple reached an agreement, and Mueller dropped a request for a restraining order. Sheen's attorney, Mark Gross, said in court it was unfair that Mueller's attorneys hadn't sought to seal the restraining order, which detailed alleged threats Sheen had made.

The day encompassed the complicated life Sheen faces after "Two and a Half Men." Another hearing on custody issues was scheduled for June 9.

Despite the busy day, Sheen's team was encouraged by the legal proceedings from the Warner Bros. and Lorre lawsuit. Sheen's lawyers presented their arguments for several hours.

Howard Weitzman, Lorre's attorney, asked Sheen's attorney how he expected the judge would rule.

"You know what I expect to hear," Marty Singer replied. "We're winning!"