Catherine Zeta-Jones responds to husband Michael Douglas’s sexual assault allegations
On January 9th, actor Michael Douglas attempted to nip sexual assault allegations against him in the bud after his lawyer was contacted by The Hollywood Reporter, which had spoken to one of Douglas’s former female employees. She stated that Douglas used inappropriate language and blackballed her from the industry. She also accused him of masturbating in front of her. Today, January 17th, Douglas’ wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, responded to these claims.
“It was very, very upsetting,” Zeta-Jones reportedly told the U.K.’s Daily Mirror. “Anything like that, that is erroneous and false, would take anyone by surprise. I’m glad that the non-story was put straight. It was a looming accusation and I am very happy that Michael did a pre-emptive move.”
Zeta-Jones is referring to Douglas’s decision to admit to the inappropriate language via Deadline before the former employee’s story even came to light. He denied blackballing her and insisted that the masturbation never occurred, calling the claim “a complete lie, fabrication, no truth to it whatsoever.”
“This was something that supposedly happened 30-odd years ago and was unfounded, so Michael needed to make that stance,” Zeta-Jones added in her response.
The accuser worked in development at Douglas’ company 32 years ago. After he let her go, he reportedly never heard from her again, until now.
From us to you and yours!!! Have a wonderful New Year!
A post shared by Catherine Zeta-Jones (@catherinezetajones) on Dec 31, 2017 at 6:16pm PST
“I had the choice of waiting for a story to come out, one that will clearly get picked up by other newspapers and magazines, and then I have to sit there and try to defend myself,” Douglas told Deadline. “Or, try to share with the public, a little ahead of the story, my thoughts and concerns.”
A post shared by Catherine Zeta-Jones (@catherinezetajones) on Dec 28, 2017 at 7:12pm PST
Douglas told Deadline that he’s a supporter of the #MeToo movement and notes that claims like those against him can “set that movement back.” No official story has been released pertaining to the former female employee’s accusations.
