Charlie Sheen's addictions as dangerous as cancer, says dad

Veteran actor Martin Sheen has spoken out about his son Charlie Sheen's struggles with addiction, claiming that his problems are "as dangerous as cancer".

The former 'Two and a Half Men' star was met with a fierce reaction while opening his national tour in Detroit on weekend, encountering heavy audience dissent and appalling reviews.

But his father urged people to support his wayward son.

"Charlie is dealing with the most profound problems and addiction, it is no secret. His behavior has been an example of that," the New York Post quoted him as saying while being interviewed in London for the BBC.

"So, if he had cancer how would we deal with him?" he asked.

"Well, he has another disease and it is equally as dangerous as cancer. And so we lift him up and we pray for him and be present to him," he added.