Denise Richards
Denise Richards is reportedly aware of Charlie Sheen's HIV diagnosis. Above, she attends the 2014 Children's Hospital Los Angeles Gala. Getty

While the report that Charlie Sheen is HIV-positive is only making the news now, some people may have been in the know for years. His ex-wife, Denise Richards, was reportedly aware of his alleged diagnosis.

Access Hollywood reports that Richards has known about Sheen’s HIV-positive status for years. A source close to Richards, 44, told the outlet that Sheen, 50, contracted the disease after his divorce from her and confirmed that neither she nor their two children are infected.

Sheen and Richards were married in 2002, but the “Twisted” actress filed for divorce in March 2005. They share two daughters, Sam, 11, and Lola, 10.

His ex-wife probably is not the only person who knows. Publicist and crisis manager Howard Bragman said Sheen’s team approached him to potentially deal with the situation six months ago. Although Bragman never talked directly to Sheen, he told People that the actor had informed many of his friends about his health. He said Sheen “is getting treatment, and a lot of people in his life know about it.”

Sheen’s other ex-wife, Brooke Mueller, also may have known about his HIV diagnosis. Radar Online obtained texts in which Mueller, 38, allegedly confirmed the reports about Sheen’s health. “I had a drug-induced psychotic break at Charlie’s after doing drugs with Charlie for that many days,” the text reads. “I couldn’t handle the HIV news. Just six months ago I was diagnosed with the eye disease and then Charlie potentially giving me HIV …”

Mueller and Sheen were married in 2008 and divorced in 2011. The actors share twin sons Bob and Max, 6.

Mueller and Richards have not officially released responses to reports about the “Anger Management” actor’s health. Sheen also has not addressed the rumors. He is scheduled to make an appearance on NBC's “Today” show on Tuesday, at which time, it is widely speculated, he’ll confirm that he is HIV-positive.