CBS boss Len Moonves has spoken out about the extraordinary rant unleashed by actor Angus T. Jones on the set of Two and a Half Men and admitted that they now have “other plans” for the show.
Angus T. Jones, 19, who branded the show “filth” in a now viral religious video, is thought to want to show up for the rest of his schedule after January there have been murmurs show bosses are not keen to have him back for a new season as a main character.
And now Len Moonves has confirmed that they’re resolving the issue of Angus T. Jones’ status.
“I don’t know what our status is with him,” Len Moonves told the Wall Street Journal.
“We took this boy who started with us when he was eight years old, and it seemed to be what happens with child stars over the course of time.
“He’s now making $300,000 per week, which is not a bad salary for a 19-year-old kid, and he went on a religious channel and urged people not to watch the show because it was filth. By the way, he’s still collecting his $300,000 a week,” Len Moonves laughed.
And when asked if they were looking for another “half man”, Len Moonves replied: “We have other plans. I don’t think it’s quite been resolved, but after going through what we went through with Charlie Sheen, this is a piece of cake.”
And it might not be too hard for the show to “resolve” Angus T. Jones the way of Charlie Sheen as EW are reporting that if he had the typical non-disparagement clause in his contract, he’s obviously in violation.
A source close to the star told People: “Angus expects to report to work after the holiday break in January.
“He intends to honor his contract through the end of the season.”
Angus T. Jones’ character Jake joined the army at the end of season 9 and has only appeared in a few episodes of the current season.
“He won’t be in every episode,” the source added says of the remaining season 10 episodes.
“How much they use him will be up to [creator] Chuck Lorre. The intention wasn’t ever for him to be in every ep this year anyway. Now it might be less.”
Network CBS has yet to pick up the show for season 11.
But sources told E!: “Should Two and a Half Men be renewed, it’s unlikely that Jones will return as a series regular. You might see him for a few guest spots.”
Those closest to Angus T. Jones, who is a Seventh Day Adventist, say the teenager doesn’t want to risk turning into troubled Charlie Sheen so became involved in the church.
“Part of the reason Angus is so wary of the [TV] industry and so involved with the church is that he’s seen what’s happened to Charlie [Sheen] front and center.
“He doesn’t want to end up like that. Who would?” the family friend told E!.
Angus T. Jones issued a statement apologizing, in the most tenuous sense, for making a video branding Two and a Half Men “filth” then entreating viewers to switch off from the show that made him both rich and famous.
In his statement, Angus T. Jones, 19, speaks up for his bosses on the CBS show, by saying: “Chuck Lorre, Peter Roth and many others at Warner Bros. and CBS are responsible for what has been one of the most significant experiences in my life to date.”
The document obtained by TMZ continues: “I thank them for the opportunity they have given and continue to give me and the help and guidance I have and expect to continue to receive from them.”
Without actually taking back anything he said, the teenager attempted to appease his cast: “I apologize if my remarks reflect me showing indifference to and disrespect of my colleagues and a lack of appreciation of the extraordinary opportunity of which I have been blessed. I never intended that.”
Meanwhile, Christopher Hudson – the Seventh Day Adventist guiding Angus T. Jones – denied that he was exploiting the actor, as the young star’s mother Carey fears.
Christopher Hudson, who is believed to be in his 40s, confirmed that he recorded the video in the actor’s trailer on the set of Two and A Half Men last week.
Angus T. Jones – who makes $350,000 per episode playing Jake Harper – was seen urging fans to “turn off” the show, saying it would damage their brains.
