Charlie Sheen’s former fiancee, who alleges he failed to tell her that he’s HIV-positive, must take her case before an arbitrator.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michelle Williams Court issued a final ruling on Friday affirming the tentative decision she handed down Feb. 29 before taking Scottine Ross’ case under submission. She also put the lawsuit on hold pending the outcome of the arbitration.
Ross, also known as Brett Rossi, filed her lawsuit Dec. 3 in Los Angeles Superior Court. She sought $1 million and earnings from Sheen’s canceled TV show, “Anger Management.”
Sheen’s lawyers stated in court papers that Ross and her lawyers knew when the lawsuit was filed that their client and the 50-year-old actor were bound by an arbitration agreement. Sheen’s lawyers wanted the judge to dismiss the lawsuit and order arbitration.
But Ross’ lawyers maintained that the arbitration clause their client signed pertained only to her obligation to not disclose a sexual encounter she had with Sheen in November 2013.
They also claimed the agreement was unlawful because it involved an agreement both Ross and Sheen signed in which he paid the plaintiff $10,000 for sex and that Sheen wanted to prevent disclosure of his criminal conduct.
The judge rejected Ross’ attorneys’ argument, saying the non-disclosure agreement contained a “broad arbitration provision” that governed both parties.
“The court finds the contract itself is not unenforceable due to an illegal purpose,” Court wrote.
Sheen disclosed on NBC’s “Today” show on Nov. 17 that he was diagnosed as HIV-positive about four years ago and said some of those aware of his health status had been demanding money from him to keep the secret.
