When Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas first began dating in 1998 no one could have known that it would lead to one of the longest lasting unions in Hollywood. Inevitably, in almost three decades together there have been some ups and downs, some more controversial than others.
Douglas, 79, and Zeta-Jones, 54, had a whirlwind romance before marrying in November 2000 — just 3 months after welcoming their son, Dylan Michael. In April 2003, Zeta-Jones gave birth to their second child, a daughter named Carys Zeta. Douglas also has a son named Cameron from his first marriage to Diandra Luker.
The Mask of Zorro actress and the Wall Street actor have had an uphill battle from their rocky beginning, through illness and allegations but have remained strong throughout it all.
In 2019, Douglas gushed about his lasting love for his wife while they both attended the Golden Globes. “Besides the genuine love that only continues to grow, I think the fact that we’re in the same industry really helps us to understand what is going on,” he told reporters. “I flashed back to the time when she was pregnant with our daughter in Chicago and for all the award shows that were going on then.”
He added, “The joy of my marriage with Catherine and having our children at a point in my life where my career had been developed, allowed me much more time to enjoy my family.”
However, when it comes to their tough times, some moments almost brought their lasting union to an end. Here are all of the major controversies Douglas and Zeta-Jones have overcome since their first meeting in 1998 until today.
Their Tumultuous First Meeting
By today’s standards, Douglas and Zeta-Jones’ 25-year age gap is a problem in itself but that wasn’t what almost stopped their romance from getting off the ground.
In 2016, Douglas revealed that he thought he had “blown it” with the Welsh star after she shut down his early advances. Douglas, who met his wife in 1998, said that he almost instantly told her, “I’m going to be the father of your children.”
The chat up line didn’t sit well with Zeta-Jones who allegedly responded, “I’ve heard a lot about you and I’ve seen a lot about you and I think it’s time that I said goodnight.” He ended up having to send her roses and an apology note just to win her over.
Their Alleged Prenup
After their 2000 wedding, Douglas and Zeta-Jones’ alleged prenup was a hot button topic amid reports that it included a cheating clause that would allegedlt grant Zeta-Jones $5 million if Douglas cheats in addition to the $5 million she allegedly gets for every year of marriage.
However, even though the public had a lot to say about this, Douglas and Zeta-Jones appeared to be on the same page.
“I think prenups are brilliant,” she toldVanity Fair, per the New York Post. “If I were marrying someone of lesser fortune who was 25 years younger, I’d be doing exactly the same thing.”
“Why should Michael be in a position where half of his fortune, which he’s worked bloody hard for, should land in someone else’s lap?”
Douglas’ Controversial Explanation for His Cancer Diagnosis
In 2010, Douglas revealed that he was suffering from throat cancer — he later admited he actually had tongue cancer but chose to blur the details after his doctor revealed just how aggresive treatment for his diagnosis could be.
Well, three years after his near-fatal diagnosis, Douglas spoke candidly about the cause of the illness in an interview that generate both backlash and confusion.
“Without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV [human papillomavirus], which actually comes about from cunnilingus,” he told The Guardian. “It’s a sexually transmitted disease that causes cancer. And if you have it, cunnilingus is also the best cure for it.”
Their Marriage Hiatus
If you’re wondering how Zeta-Jones reacted to her husband’s oral sex revelation, two months after his statements it was reported that the couple had taken a break from their marriage.
“Michael and Catherine are taking some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage,” Douglas’ reps confirmed in August 2013. Zeta-Jones had also gone public with her bipolar diagnosis in recent years. They reconciled a few months later.
Douglas Was Faced With #MeToo Allegations
In 2018, Douglas was accused of making sexually-charged comments and masturbating in front author and journalist Susan Braundy in a private meeting in the 80s.
Douglas vehemently denies the allegations and told The Hollywood Reporter, “This reeks. I would have respected if she had reached out to me any time over these years, to share her pain or concerns, and I would have been the first one to respond. But this, going directly to the newspapers or whatever you want to call them, it just reeks of something else.”
That same year, Zeta-Jones said she was “devastated” by the allegations and recalled having a conversation with Douglas, in front of their children, to warn him about the impacts of any other potential claims.
“There was nothing to back it up at all. For any accusation that comes out that isn’t backed up, that knocks the movement back 20 years,” she toldThe Times.
Still Going Strong
Despite the ups and downs, Zeta-Jones and Douglas are still going strong. Zeta-Jones shared an Instagram post on November 18 to celebrate 23 years of marriage.
“Darling Michael, your Nobel Peace Prize awaits,” she wrote in the caption. “I love you…from your darling wife, a gold star Medal of Honor recipient.”
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