Judge sends Sheen's 'Men' lawsuit to arbitration

LOS ANGELES, CA Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Allan Goodman ruled Wednesday that Sheen's contract with Warner Bros. Television has a valid arbitration clause. The judge's ruling says the arbitrator should decide whether the case will be handled publicly or privately.

The ruling is likely to dampen publicity about the case, which Sheen filed on March 10 -- days after he was fired from his starring role on television's top-rated comedy.

The ruling applies to Sheen's allegations against "Men" executive producer Chuck Lorre.

Sheen's attorney Marty Singer says he will now argue to the arbitrator that the case should be handled publicly.