Michael Douglas is going to stop you right there and give you some answers before you start asking questions about his behavior.
In an interview with Deadline published on Tuesday, the star said that he had been approached by The Hollywood Reporter about accusations from a former employee that he used “colorful language” around her, masturbated in front of her and then blacklisted her from the industry after she was let go more than 30 years ago.
Though no story has been published, Douglas decided to pre-emptively deny wrongdoing.
“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.”
Douglas did acknowledge — and apologize for — using foul language in private conversations. “If she was offended, she could have excused herself,” he said.
“Masturbating in front of her?” Douglas said. “I don’t know where to begin. This is a complete lie, fabrication, no truth to it whatsoever.”
He also denied making any attempt to blackball the former staffer, whose name has not been disclosed.
Douglas said he supports the #MeToo movement and hopes “continues to grow, but that there is care shown in who is accused and how the accusation is handled.”
A rep for the actor has not responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.