CHARLIE SHEEN is speaking out to ET about some three-year-old voicemails he left for ex DENISE RICHARDS that have now been made public -- surfacing on Web sites today.

 "I deeply apologize by my choice of words to all I have obviously offended; especially to TONY TODD, an African American, who was my best man at my first two weddings."

"And for the record, my children did not show up today for a custodial visit without explanation. So three and one half years later, the reasons that caused the anger and frustration displayed on that voicemail continue to be manifested on a daily basis."