CBS (CBS), Charlie Sheen Legal Battle Looks Like a Tossup

With legal commentary from both sides of the Charlie Sheen, CBS debacle weighing in on the situation, is seems most consider it about even as to who will come out on top if it goes to court.

"While showbiz legal experts say that referring to Lorre as a 'clown' and a 'retarded zombie' on television doesn't help Sheen's cause, many believe he has a decent case, especially if reports are true that his deal with WBTV includes no morals clause. The controversy, say the lawyers consulted by The Hollywood Reporter, will hinge on which side breached the heavily negotiated contract that pays Sheen more than $1.2 million an episode," noted Hollywood Reporter via Reuters.

On the other hand if Sheen were to lose his argument and eventually a lawsuit, some say he could end up having to pay damages up to $250 million, assuming the show never goes back on air. That would be determined by lost revenue from breach of contract.

This is obviously the latest celebrity sport, but the stakes in this game are about as high as they get in relationship to one actor, a hit show, and media companies depending on its success to deliver shareholder value. This isn't going to go away anytime soon, and is a disaster whatever way you look at if; from a personal or a business viewpoint.

CBS closed Thursday at $24.25, gaining $0.47, or 1.97 percent.



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