Sheen Agrees With Film Criticisms

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) â€” Actor Martin Sheen says he agrees with Democratic vice presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman's criticisms of the film industry. <br><br>``Half the business called Hollywood

Monday, September 25th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) â€” Actor Martin Sheen says he agrees with Democratic vice presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman's criticisms of the film industry.

``Half the business called Hollywood is sleaze,'' Sheen said Saturday during a visit to his hometown to raise money for Democratic candidates and attend charity events.

``Lieberman is absolutely right. He's one of the few politicians who's willing to stand up and say that,'' Sheen said. ``A lot of what we do has very little to do with art. It has to do with sleaze and gratuitous sex and unnecessary violence.''

Sheen, who plays President Josiah Bartlet in the White House-based television drama ``The West Wing,'' is a longtime supporter of Democratic candidates. He has been arrested 70 times for his involvement in protests for issues ranging from nuclear disarmament to the homeless.

He also expressed confidence that Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore will defeat Republican George W. Bush in the presidential election Nov. 7.

``Al Gore is distancing himself by being himself,'' he said.