Celebrity2 min(s) read
Michael Douglas issued an apology to wife Catherine Zeta-Jones after making oral sex cancer claim
In 2013, Michael Douglas made controversial remarks about oral sex being a potential cause and cure for throat cancer. The actor, known for his roles in films like Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction, made these statements during an interview in which he discussed his personal battle with cancer.
However, his comments sparked backlash, and Douglas later expressed regret over the embarrassment caused to his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones.
During the interview, Douglas claimed that throat cancer was caused by a sexually transmitted virus and that oral sex could be a cure.
"It’s a sexually transmitted disease that causes cancer. And if you have it, cunnilingus is also the best cure for it," he told reporters. These remarks raised questions, especially considering Douglas’s lack of medical expertise. Medical professionals quickly pointed out that his theory was medically unsound.
Michael Douglas reflects on his comments
In a later interview to promote his film Beyond the Reach, the actor clarified his statements. "I so regretted any embarrassment that it caused Catherine," he shared with Event magazine. "What I was trying to say was that there is a sexually transmitted virus called HPC, but there is a vaccination that they recommend to all kids before they become sexually active so they don’t catch HPC, which is a cause of certain types of cancer – cervical cancer, tongue and throat."
Despite the controversy, Douglas emphasized that his intentions were to raise awareness about HPV and cancer prevention. "No," he responded when asked if oral sex could cure cancer. "I was trying to make a public service announcement."
He had previously been asked whether years of smoking, drinking, and drug use might have been responsible for his illness, he replied: “No. No. Ah, without getting too specific, this particular cancer is caused by something called HPV [human papillomavirus], which actually comes about from cunnilingus.”
He went further, adding: “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.”