Michael Douglas denies saying his throat cancer was caused by oral sex and the HPV virus in Guardian interview
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Michael Douglas did not say he developed throat cancer because of oral sex, according to his publicist.
The Hollywood actor was quoted as telling the Guardian that the strain of cancer he was diagnosed with had been caused by the sexually transmitted HPV (human papillomavirus).
But a statement from the 68-year-old’s publicist sought to clarify his remarks and said Douglas was not talking about his own cancer.
A statement from Allen Burry, obtained by the BBC said: “No. He [Douglas] did not say oral sex was the cause of his cancer."
The publicist reference medical evidence which links oral sex to throat cancer, but made it clear: “[Douglas] did not say it was the cause to his specific cancer."
The Guardian has stood by its story and released an audio recording of the interview.
In an interview the paper Douglas is quoted as denying that years of smoking and drinking were behind his near-fatal brush with cancer: "No, because without wanting to get too specific this particular cancer is caused by HPV which actually comes about from cunnilingus."
"I did worry if the stress caused by my son's incarceration didn't help trigger it. But yeah, it's a sexually transmitted disease that causes cancer. And if you have it, cunnilingus is also the best cure for it."
However, Douglas' suggestion that cunnilingus is also a cure for throat cancer was disputed by medical professionals.
Douglas, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in August 2010, said that after "a rough few years" he is "back with a vengeance" and feels "blessed and fortunate to even be alive". His cancer is now in remission.
The American Oscar-winning actor, best known as Gordon Gekko in the Wall Street films, is married to Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.
His son Cameron is serving a prison sentence for drug possession and dealing.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments