Linda K. Sienkiewicz is a writer and artist from Michigan. Her poetry and short stories have been published in numerous literary journals from Prairie Schooner to Bartleby Snopes online. Her latest poetry chapbook, SECURITY, is published by March Street Press. She has a novel and is represented by Chelsea Gilmore of Maria Carvainis Agency.
VIOLENT TORPEDOES OF TRUTH by Linda K. Sienkiewicz
Mug shot released by the Aspen Police Department to the AP after Sheen's 2009 arrest
I felt a ripple of pleasure when I read in the Detroit Free Press that Sheen’s “My Violent Torpedo of Truth” tour, which opened in Detroit on Saturday, was an unmitigated disaster. The Freep reported it as being a disconnected, rambling, self-indulgent show.
The Motor City greeted him with a standing ovation (shame on them) but apparently Sheen’s catch phrases quickly staled when the pointlessness of the show became evident. Even he saw his grip on the audience sliding, and, one point, felt a need to assure them, “Trust me, this is going somewhere.” It didn’t. It was a mere half hour before people started earnestly booing and some headed for the exits, grumbling about wasted money.
Why am I so pleased? It’s about time this man got his due. Unfortunately, his downfall may not happen for what, in my opinion, is the right reason, but at least it’s happening. Maybe. The truth is yet to be seen, but at the very least, people are beginning to question why they adore him. As for me, it’s been a long time since I could stomach his cutesy, bad-boy shtick on “Two and a Half Men” after I learned about his abuse of women. It’s shocking:
Brittany Ashland photo, as shown on ABC news
1. In 1990, he “accidentally” shot his then-fiancée, actress Kelly Preston, in the arm with a .22 inside their Malibu home.
2. In 1994, he allegedly struck a UCLA student in the head after she refused sex with him. He was married to model Donna Peele at the time.
3. In 1996, he allegedly slammed his girlfriend, adult film actress Brittany Ashland, on the tile floor, knocking her unconscious and splitting her lip. She claimed he made her dispose of her bloody clothes and threatened to kill her if she told anyone. He pleaded no contest.
4. In 2006, his second wife, actress Denise Richards, filed a restraining order against him, saying he shoved her and threatened to kill her. Court documents in their divorce supposedly include his offenses as obsessive gambling, drug use, prostitutes, porn, throwing chairs at her and threatening to kill her.
5. In 2009, third wife, Brooke Mueller, a real-estate exec, alleged Sheen strangled her, threatened to kill her, and held a knife to her throat. He pleaded guilty to third degree domestic violence. Despite his record, all he got was a slap to the wrist.
6. In 2010, escort Capri Anderson locked herself in a Plaza Hotel bathroom after he ran amok. She filed a criminal complaint that he strangled and threatened her, but no arrest was made. He voluntarily entered the hospital.
7. In March of this year, Mueller filed for a restraining order against Sheen, alleging he threatened to cut her head off, box it and send it to her mother. By the way, she says he also threatened to stab her in the eye with a pen, has spit on her feet and punched her. The restraining order was granted (at least this judge had some smarts) and the couple’s twin sons were taken from his house.
That’s a lot of alleging. When asked by Andrea Canning in a 20/20 interview about these incidents, he called the women “trolls,” and their accusations, “sad lies,” as if they were worthless. As far as some of his accusers’ vocations (escorts and adult film actresses), it doesn’t matter what the women may do for a living—beating them up and threatening to snuff them is not excusable. Ms. Canning didn’t press further, nor did she mention the fact that he’s pleaded no contest and guilty to two offenses—how I wished someone a little bit sharper had been interviewing him. Sheen had the gall to flatly tell Piers Morgan “No” when asked in an interview if he’d ever hit a woman, and Morgan also let Sheen’s response slide.
It appears Sheen likes to portray himself as the victim, claiming, for example, that Ashland attacked him and he was only “trying to contain her.” Poor Charlie. This is what men who abuse women say: “It was all their fault.” Torpedoes of truth, indeed. I conducted a writing circle at HAVEN Women’s Shelter, and I can tell you that men’s abuse of women, whether it’s physical or mental, leaves deep, long lasting scars. Its only purpose is to intimidate, humiliate and degrade.
I don’t understand why Sheen has remained popular when celebrities such as Chris Brown and Mel Gibson have been nailed to the wall for similar offenses. People are concerned about Sheen’s mental state and his self-abuse with drugs, but not for his abuse of women. He was fired from “Two and a Half Men,” not for his violent behavior, but for calling his boss, writer, and producer Chuck Lorre a “clown” on a radio show. What does this say about our society?
It blows my mind to think that women appeared at his show wearing t-shirts with his slogan “Winning” on the front. Do they not know? Do they condone or excuse his abhorrent actions?
Perhaps if his “Violent Torpedo” implodes, people will see past his grandiose proclamations of being a winner. After he got a rousing ovation at the end of the Chicago show, however, it appears he may be able to pull things together for the remainder of his tour. That would be a shame because he doesn’t deserve our adulation. Whether or not the public believes he truly is a serial domestic violence offender is questionable, unless he actually succeeds in strangling a woman.
(photos: abc.com, mahalo.com)
frightening and says so much about our culture
i have read so many, too many pieces on sheen and never heard this disturbing list, so true that the media has turned a blind eye on all of this and so scary how little weight charges by women carry
Livvy, What’s truly disturbing is how many incidents there are by different women, and still, they seem to carry little weight. I showed this list to a male friend who admired Sheen, and he quickly changed his mind after he read everything. He had no idea.
Hi Livvy–
Like you I found this a powerful piece; like you I have read many– ‘too many’– news pieces about Sheen and this aspect of his much-examined life has been glossed over; all, as you say, very scary; I thank Linda for pulling this together and firing off her own Torpedoes of Truth here on the blog–
Elizabeth
Thank you, Linda, for some real world perspective on Charlie Sheen. Like most I’ve been treating this as pure comedy–”poor dumb shmuck,he’s off medication”, a welcome distraction from serious news. In fact, it is serious news, an example of pervasive institutional misogyny.
Hi Judith–
I’m sure Linda will want to reply to this one but I just have to chime in to say, as always, you hit the nail on the head– very well put and so true, I think, that in its way this is an example of (as commenter Livvy noted above) how little weight is given to womens’ words on this serious subject– Thanks, Judith–
Elizabeth
You’re welcome, Judith. It’s too disturbing that for many, Charlie’s “antics” may be a welcome distraction. It makes my blood boil. Livvy hit on a nerve too, how little weight charges by women carry. Apparently, it’s not newsworthy?
Well-written article…very factual and very sad that this jerk is glorified by the other means of media. Domestic violence is an epidemic and needs to be in the news daily. Thanks Linda for trying to get it out there!
Hi Pam– Thanks and I want to chime in here on the word ‘glorified’– it’s true and puzzling that Charlie Sheen has gotten a free pass on this issue while as Linda points out, other stars or athletes have not. I think the media has its own interest in keeping the Sheen story going because he provides them such over-the-top statements. But why the standing ovations when he appears onstage? As you say, there’s a violence epidemic out there that people don’t want to see. Yes, I’m glad in this one case Linda is trying to bring that to light.
Cheers and please stop by again! Elizabeth
Thanks, Pam, for taking the time to read… we sure go a long way back, don’t we! I agree, domestic violence is an everyday occurrence, and I hope that, by putting these facts out there, some people will think twice about who they glorify.
Laying out the list of alleges really puts it into perspective.
I would agree with Judith about institutional misogyny. It is often discouraging to see how pervasive it is on a global scale, not just here in the USA.
And a truly sad state of affairs that this guy’s public breakdown is more a bit of distracting entertainment than an opportunity to publicly recognize what Sheen so clearly illustrates: women are still considered less than men.
Thanks Janet! I know Linda herself will be weighing in but again I just want to chime in with another very thoughtful comment– and so true that there is a worldwide ‘blind eye’ on violence against women. This sad Sheen situation is just a tiny sample of things that are happening in clear sight but don’t get punished or stopped. Thanks for stopping by with these thoughts– Elizabeth
Thank you, Janet, for hopping over from twitter to comment here. We just have to keep speaking out. Wouldn’t it be something to see picketing at his shows, and follow up press?
Linda,
Thank you so much for this well-written piece. There’s no doubt in my mind that Charlie Sheen is a serial abuser. It’s amazing to me that this information is usually just a post script in articles about him in the press.
There is something wrong with our system if Charlie Sheen can get off with a slap on the wrist for holding a knife to his wife’s throat and trying to strangle her. What if he’d done that to his boss, or to a stranger? The message the courts are sending is, “If you beat, threaten or hurt your wife or girlfriend, we’ll wink and look the other way.”
Sadly, violence against women is not only condoned in this country, it’s become fodder for late night talk show jokes and banter. After all, it’s so funny that Chris Brown punched Rihanna and can’t control his temper, right? That Mel Gibson told his girlfriend that he’d “put her in the rose garden.” That Charlie Sheen’s threats to the women in his life have gotten steadily more bizarre and psychotic, capped off with the latest: “I’ll cut off your head and send it to your mother.”
The saddest thing is, in a sense he is “winning,” because no one is holding him accountable–not even his female fans–and the system has been working completely in his favor.
Elizabeth Wilkins,
If I may, I would like to point out something that may, or may not be true. After some serious sleuthing on a gossip website someone brought up the name of an Institution in California called “The Rose Garden” for the mentally insane. You see from the wording he didn’t say, BURY you in the rose garden, he said “Put her in the Rose Garden”. Since that tape was so heavily edited and that woman (I use the word losely) stated on Larry King Live that the tapes were indeed “EDITED” there is no way of knowing if he was talking about Institutionalizing her, or killing her.
Just thought I’d throw that out there. Have a good day.
You’re welcome. And thank you for your comments and support, Elisabeth.
Interestingly, concerning Chris Brown, my son pointed out that he recently appeared on Good Morning America, and when asked about the charges involving Rhianna, he said “It’s not a big deal to me now” and then proceeded to trash his dressing room, get in the face of the producer about people bringing this “shit” up, break a window and tear his shirt off (proving what?) in anger. What’s strange is GMA invited him back on the show, wishing him the very best.
His response is classically text-book… it’s how most domestically violent men response
Absolutely. It’s not surprising in the least.
I’ve been following his “DEMISE” and I have no doubt in my mind, that yes, it will be his demise eventually – since 2009 at Christmas and his abuse of wife #3, Brooke Meuller.
Dig even deeper into Charlie’s background, it goes right back to his parents. I love Martin Sheen, fantastical actor but he’s got a few hundred screws loose in his noggin also. When all this crap hit the fan he was up on the Telly screen telling the world that his son’s addictions were the same as a Cancer patient fighting for their life, SAY WHAT???
I have no doubt that Charlie has delusions of gradeur, who else refers to himself as a Rock star from Mars, Adonis genes, a WARLOCK, full of tiger blood. That’s not an actor acting, that’s a maniac depressive dealing with bio-polar issues on a the grandest of scales.
His mother released a statement several weeks ago and blamed “EVERYTHING” that’s happening to Charlie on Brooke Meuller. According to her, since both of them were recovering drug and alcoholics that it’s HER fault he fell off the wagon, sound familiar folks? His own parents are explaining away their son’s behaviour. In all honesty, Charlie is a product of his own family.
It’s incredible that his mother would blame Mueller on his drug abuse. What’s also disturbing is that Sheen will surely use Mueller’s drug dependency issues against her when it comes to deciding custody of their twin boys. I hope the courts look his domestic violence record, and also consider her efforts on staying clean and protecting her children.
Well, the courts have actually taken a step in the right direction. Her mother has physical custoday, the both of them have to stay clean and sober for either to have custody. They did hash out an agreement which keeps the other gals away from the twins (they know nothing about child care, doesn’t matter there background but they can’t be left alone with the children). I feel so bad for those children, if the parents aren’t fighting, they are using the kids for publicity. Sheesh.
That’s good to know. Thanks for checking things out, Wendy.
Hi Wendy–
Always good to hear from you and thanks for the extra info. As you say, the truth is hard to find in this media mess but I think in Linda’s piece the larger truth comes out that womens’ voices in these matters are swept aside. Yes, I think everyone feels bad for the kids in any sort of situation like this one. As Linda said, sounds like the current judge is showing some sense–
Cheers to you to the North–
Elizabeth
Wouldn’t it be great if domestic violence prevention organizations in the different towns where Sheen is touring would picket his show? I would think it would be a way to call some press attention to this issue.
THIS JUST IN FROM CLEVELAND, TMZ: During his show
Another audience chant — this time directed towards Charlie’s ex Denise Richards … with people yelling, “F**K THAT B*TCH”
http://bit.ly/dVCj9t
Oh no– I’m ashamed of Cleveland, a great place where I have family ties. That chant really shows the ugly roots of this Sheen obsession; the ‘fans’ who really support him seem to be connecting to him as a ‘winning’ example of getting away with treating women any way you want. The whole ‘goddesses’ thing plays into that– it’s all crazy. Thanks for keeping us updated on the madness in every sense– Elizabeth
Mob mentality.
Linda, I’m glad I’m not the only one whose blood is boiling. I am the last person on earth who should be pointing out that anybody has ADD, but America, my country tis of thee, has ADD. Or the ability to compartmentalize like nobody’s business.
Though I can’t imagine an evolutionary reason for either our shoddy memories or our astounding ability to compartmentalize awful truths, that seems to be what’s happening.
I’m sure like most addicts Sheen’s secretly disgusted with himself. Maybe he’s self-destructing because deep down he can’t understand why America has put up with him for this long. I know I can’t.
Hi Dave–
Thanks for this and I’m sure Linda will have a wise reply– I just wanted to jump in and say, yes, we are ADD Nation for sure (as my husband says, Attention Desiring Disorder is the new ADD) and I know some of Sheen’s fans do ‘compartmentalize’ away his darkest deeds–
But the scary thing to me in this case is that I think other of his fans know perfectly well that he very likely abuses women and they are not only OK with it, they are chanting their approval at his concerts (as Linda reported, with cheers rising up when Sheen trashes his latest Ex).
I think Sheen is becoming a vehicle for people venting all kinds of hostility toward women– anyway, yes, ‘blood boiling’ here too and no one I have seen anywhere in print has laid out the case against Sheen as powerfully as Linda does right here on our little blog… Cheers (of a non-hostile kind)– ELizabeth
I agree, Dave. It isn’t hard to conclude that the only way Sheen can live with himself is to get so high he doesn’t recognize himself anymore. Thanks for your support. It’s great to have a man on board!
What did those idiots in Detroit expect when thy bought a ticket for his show. I am appalled that they gave him a standing ovation initially. To pay to see this intellectually challenged, crude, obscene, violent man speak indicates total lack of awareness and good judgment. They deserve what they got!
It is startling, Barb, when you consider all the strange, disturbing things that some people consider entertainment. I don’t propose to tell anyone what they can or cannot enjoy, but I think it pays to educate yourself and consider the implications of what you condone when you support someone such as Charlie Sheen.
Hi Barb–
Yes, as Linda says, it sure is strange what people will pay to see. You mention Detroit– actually to me the Detroit audience is looking like the ‘class act’ compared to Chicago & Cleveland, where apparently the Sheen show was a big hit. In Detroit at least most of the crowd wound up angrily walking out– but as you ask, Barb, what the heck did they expect and why were they there in the first place? Good questions when pondering our celebrified nation– Thanks as always for stopping by–
Elizabeth
One inaccuracy is that he wasn’t even in the room when the gun accidentally went off and Kelly Preston was hit by the ricochet porcelain. He isn’t perfect by any means yet someone writing an article should check their facts. Brittany Ashland was only hurt when he tried to stop her from hitting him. There are two sides to every story and the others involved weren’t angels either.
Hi Jayne– You are right that there are always ‘two sides’ to any story and granted, in violent incidents like this there must often be a lot of confusion. But to have so many of these violent incidents happening in one life, it’s overwhelming to me to see it all listed. I’m sure in some of the cases, as you point out, there are surely several different versions of exactly what happened. Still, Linda by grouping together all these reports makes a powerful point. Glad you took the time to read it. To me, even one proven incident of domestic abuse is very disturbing. Sadly for this very talented actor, there’s a clear pattern here. Linda is a super writer and a friend. I feel that it’s not her intention here in this short piece to go into all the details on each incident. But by listing all of them together as I had not seen done before, she makes a strong case.
Hi Jayne,
I understand Sheen claimed to have been preventing Ashland from hitting him, but I’d say he used a bit too much force. It was wise of him to plead no contest. As far as the gun accident, I stand corrected (if his side of the story is true) but it’s incomprehensible to me that anyone would leave a loaded gun in the pocket of a pair of pants on the bathroom floor. He couldn’t have been too concerned about lurking prowlers. Thank you for your comment but I stand by my opinion that Sheen still has a lot to answer for.