Martin salutes 'courage' of son Charlie Sheen

London: Martin Sheen has praised his actor son Charlie following the "Platoon" star's confirmation he is living with HIV.

"I couldn't believe the level of courage I was witnessing," the "West Wing" star said at an event in Florida.

"I hope that this day is the first day of the rest of Charlie's life as a free man," addded the 75-year-old actor.

Charlie Sheen ended days of intense media speculation by confirming he is HIV positive in a NBC TV interview.

"I have to put a stop to this onslaught, this barrage of attacks and of sub-truths," Sheen told Today show host Matt Lauer, adding he was diagnosed four years ago.

"It's a hard three letters to absorb," the 50-year-old went on, saying his "shame and anger" at the initial diagnosis led to "substance abuse and fathomless drinking".