Sean Penn Defends Charlie Sheen

Sean Penn has expressed support of close friend Charlie Sheen and his plan to take a humanitarian trip to Haiti.

In a statement released to Access Hollywood on Friday by Penn's rep, the actor says he thinks both Sheen and the earthquake-ravaged country will benefit from his help.   "I think his energies, intelligence and passion could be both of service and servicing to him, as it is to all who are touched by the struggle of the Haitian people," Penn said.   He added, "Charlie is one of the very few public people who cannot be accused of using the media to his own benefit. I would very much like to show my old friend the world of needs on the ground in Haiti, and introduce him and his tremendous wit to our hard working Haitian staff. If he chooses to give support, I’ll trust it.”   Penn’s defense of Sheen comes on the heels of a whirlwind media blitz by the Two and a Half Men actor in which he assailed his TV bosses, launched a popular Twitter account, and spoke about his lifestyle on multiple TV and radio outlets.   Sheen first discussed his and Penn's Haiti plans on Friday's Access Hollywood Live, saying, "I’m excited as hell because, you know, if I can bring the attention of the world down there, then clearly this tsunami keeps cresting."   READ: The Hollywood Reporter's cover story on Sean Penn's efforts in Haiti.   Since the January 2010 earthquake, Penn has traveled to Haiti multiple times to work with volunteers. He founded J/P HRO, an organization that provides basic shelter, food, education and more for Haitians who lost their homes in the earthquake.