NEWSMAKERS | Will Sheen return to popular sitcom?

NEWSMAKERS

Will Sheen return to popular sitcom?

LOS ANGELES

Is Charlie Sheen headed back to “Two and a Half Men”? Don’t hold your breath for it happening any time soon.

The Web rumor mill was busy Monday with word that CBS was ready to take Sheen back, even though he was fired from TV’s No. 1 comedy earlier this month after ridiculing his bosses. Radar Online reported that CBS executives “want him back now” and would “forgive and forget” the past few weeks of Sheen’s outbursts.

NBC News reporter Jeff Rossen, who has interviewed Sheen frequently in recent days, tweeted that CBS had “offered him his job back” but that talks still were ongoing. Later, Rossen clarified to say that Sheen would have to come to terms with Warner Bros., the studio that owns the rights to “Two and a Half Men,” before any deal could happen.

For the record, neither Warner Bros. nor CBS is commenting. But there is no indication that the studio’s stance toward Sheen has changed since it sacked him two weeks ago — or since the actor filed a $100-million lawsuit against the company shortly thereafter.

Ja Rule pleads guilty to $3M tax evasion

NEWARK, N.J.

Rapper and actor Ja Rule admitted Tuesday that he failed to pay taxes on more than $3 million in income, pleading guilty to tax evasion in federal court in New Jersey.

The platinum-selling rapper earned the money between 2004 and 2006 while he lived in Saddle River, an upscale community in northern New Jersey.

As part of a plea agreement, the government dismissed two counts against him for unpaid taxes on income earned in 2007 and 2008.

Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, is expected to be sentenced on the tax-evasion charges in June. He faces up to one year in prison and $100,000 in fines on each count.

Lindsay Lohan’s dad faces new charges

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif.

Authorities in Los Angeles say Lindsay Lohan’s father has been arrested over allegations he held his girlfriend against her will and prevented her from calling 911.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators say deputies were dispatched on a domestic-violence call at 9 p.m. Monday to Michael Lohan’s apartment.

A sheriff’s news release says 51-year-old Lohan was booked for investigation of preventing a report of victimization, false imprisonment and infliction of corporal injury on a cohabitant, all felonies. Bail is set at $200,000.

Sgt. John Ratto says the girlfriend refused treatment for minor injuries.

Associated Press