The effects of the Harvey Weinstein scandal have continued into 2018, leading to a broader naming of sexual predators and revisitation of past misconduct across entertainment industries. Now, actor and producer Michael Douglas is speaking out in denial ahead of allegations against himself.
As Deadline reports, Douglas "felt the need to get ahead" of allegations that he performed a sex act in front of a former employee 32 years ago, adding that The Hollywood Reporter and Variety have reached out to him ahead of publishing stories on the incident.
"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," he explained. "Or, try to share with the public, a little ahead of the story, my thoughts and concerns."
Douglas told Deadline that the woman claims that he masturbated in front of her, in addition to claiming he blackballed her from the film industry, spoke raunchily in front of her and used "colourful language." The actor told the site that the sexual harassment allegations are "a complete lie, fabrication, no truth to it whatsoever."
Douglas said his lawyer alerted him to the allegations "right before the holidays in December." He added that he supports the #MeToo movement "with all my heart" and that he has always treated women "as equals and my peers."
"I pride myself on my reputation in this business, not to mention the long history of my father and everything else," Douglas said. "I don't have skeletons in my closet, or anyone else who's coming out or saying this. I'm bewildered why, after 32 years, this is coming out, now."
Read the complete interview with Deadline here.
As Deadline reports, Douglas "felt the need to get ahead" of allegations that he performed a sex act in front of a former employee 32 years ago, adding that The Hollywood Reporter and Variety have reached out to him ahead of publishing stories on the incident.
"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," he explained. "Or, try to share with the public, a little ahead of the story, my thoughts and concerns."
Douglas told Deadline that the woman claims that he masturbated in front of her, in addition to claiming he blackballed her from the film industry, spoke raunchily in front of her and used "colourful language." The actor told the site that the sexual harassment allegations are "a complete lie, fabrication, no truth to it whatsoever."
Douglas said his lawyer alerted him to the allegations "right before the holidays in December." He added that he supports the #MeToo movement "with all my heart" and that he has always treated women "as equals and my peers."
"I pride myself on my reputation in this business, not to mention the long history of my father and everything else," Douglas said. "I don't have skeletons in my closet, or anyone else who's coming out or saying this. I'm bewildered why, after 32 years, this is coming out, now."
Read the complete interview with Deadline here.
