Charlie Sheen Told Ex-Wives Denise Richards & Brooke Mueller About HIV Diagnosis in 2011

Charlie Sheen is worried about legal ramifications as a result of his disclosing his HIV-positive diagnosis, but told the "Today" show's Matt Lauer that many of the critical people in his life, including his ex-wives Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller were aware of his condition.

Lauer asked the former "Two and a Half Men" star if he expects an onslaught of lawsuits in the next coming of months, and Sheen confessed he's expecting exactly that. "I can only imagine based on what I've already experienced and what's come down the pike," Sheen said, before adding, "I'm sure that's next."

But the Golden Globe winner is taking the high road. After confessing to having been blackmailed for "millions," Sheen is ready to take control of the situation despite what he says telling the truth has already cost him.

"Having divulged [my diagnosis] is the reason I'm in the mess that I'm in with all the shakedowns," he said Tuesday. "Again I can't sit here and worry about it. I can only sit here with you and tell my truth."

Sheen confirmed that he had broken the news to his ex-wives Richards and Mueller four years ago, but because he was diagnosed in 2011, the same time that he was married to Mueller, he had to call her and tell her to get checked. He admitted that he only just recently told his children, including his oldest daughter Cassandra. "It hit her hard but she recovered, but she's tough like her dad...she was a rock star about it."

In response to Sheen's admission on "Today," Mueller, released a statement regarding her own health status. "Brooke has been inundated with calls from friends and family," her spokesperson, Steve Honig, told E! News. "To put their minds at ease, Brooke can confirm that she and the boys are not HIV positive."

Mueller, 38, and Sheen, 50, were married from 2008 to 2011. The exes have two children together, 6-year-old twin sons Bob Sheen and Max Sheen.

Given how much money he has lost trying to keep people quiet, Sheen admitted to Lauer on Tuesday that his financial situation is "not great," and said it's less money for his children. But he's looking forward to working again and making it back to the top.

"It'll be great again. I'm a survivor. I've been up I've been down I've been rich I've been poor," he explained. "It's another chapter in my life. It's not commerce driven. It's socially driven."

To learn more about HIV/AIDS and to contribute in the fight against the diseases, visit amfAR.

(E! and NBC are both members of the NBCUniversal family.)

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