Charlie Sheen blasts ex

Aug 30, 2007, 13:00 GMT

06/22/2007 - Denise Richards - Ratatouille Movie World Premiere - Kodak Theater - Hollywood, CA, USA © Focus Hollywood / PR Photos

Charlie Sheen has blasted his ex-wife Denise Richards for her "controlling" behaviour during their child custody battle.

The former 'Hot Shots!' star - who is attempting to change the terms of their current custody agreement so he can make his own childcare decisions - has released a statement accusing Richards of using their daughters, three-year-old Sam and Lola, two, to "punish and control him".

He said: "Until I'm granted the ability to hire my own nanny, Denise is required to provide one and I was terribly insulted that she feels her 'assistant' is a suitable replacement.

"These childcare sanctions have nothing to do with responsible co-parenting and everything to do with punishment and control. As long as I am forced to live under these conditions with my children, people are going to hear about it."

Richards responded to Sheen's statement by expressing her wish for their arguments to remain private.

She said: "This was and should still be a private matter that we as responsible parents settled privately. I stand by that agreement and I will continue to do what is best for our children while attempting to keep this family situation a private matter."

Sheen and Richards were married in 2002 and divorced four years later.

The actor recently became engaged to real estate investor Brooke Mueller.

(C) BANG Media International