Charlie Sheen: "I am in fact HIV positive"

Rumors about actor Charlie Sheen's health have proven to be true. The actor says he is HIV positive.

The 'Two and a Half Men' star made the revelation on the Today show Tuesday morning.

"I am here to admit that I am in fact HIV positive," said Sheen. "I have to put a stop to this barrage of attacks and sub-truths and very harmful and mercurial stories that are about me that threaten the health of so many others. Couldn't be farther from the truth," said Sheen.

The 50-year-old actor who has struggled with substance abuse and has admitted to soliciting prostitutes in the past says he was diagnosed roughly four years ago.

The tabloid staple has made headlines throughout his career. Most recently, in  2011 he had a very public meltdown during a feud with the creator of 'Two and a Half Men.'  Sheen played a womanizer who lives with his brother in the TV series.  He was eventually fired from the show.

NBC touted the interview in a press release  Monday as Sheen making a "revealing personal announcement."

TMZ reported that its sources said Sheen had been taking meds for the HIV and has had a series of blood tests, and over time the HIV has been "undetectable" in his system.

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