Gervais sticks up for Charlie Sheen

British funnyman Ricky Gervais is convinced Charlie Sheen is "being exploited" as he tours his one-man show.

Sheen is currently on the road with his My Violent Torpedo Of Truth/Death Is Not An Option tour, which he launched after he was fired from his role in Two and a Half Men earlier this year.

The stand-up shows have met a mixed reaction, with some audience members heckling Sheen and critics slamming the actor's jokes as unfunny.

But Gervais has now spoken out to defend the Hollywood star, insisting he finds Sheen's bizarre behaviour deeply troubling.

"I'm a bit worried that he's being exploited to be honest," Gervais said on The View.

"Well he's not a stand-up comedian is he? I think he's going through a bit of phase at the moment."

- AAP