Michael Douglas: There Is No Crisis, Catherine Zeta-Jones And I ‘Are Fine’

Michael Douglas insists that there is “no crisis” in his marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones.

While promoting Behind the Candelabra in Berlin Monday, the 68-year-old said that he and his wife “are fine.”

When asked about a split between him and Zeta-Jones, Douglas said:

“I have a crisis at home? No, I think the press has a crisis. We, we are fine. My wife and I are, are fine. We take a temporary separation, but the press, it gives you stuff to write about.”

Zeta-Jones’ publicist, Cece Yorke, said last week that the couple was “taking some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage.” The two haven’t been photographed together since the 40th Annual Chaplin Award Gala in New York City on April 22.

Anna Walker, who was Zeta-Jones’ maid of honor, said she was worried about the Welsh-born actress.

“The next few weeks will be very tough and I’m very worried about her,” Walker told the Daily Mail. “This is a very traumatic time and [her] mental health could be adversely affected.”

Michael Douglas was diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer in 2010, which he attributed to stress, previous alcohol abuse, and years of smoking. In 2011, he said he had to have monthly screenings because there was a chance the cancer could return within two to three years. In June 2013, Douglas stirred up some controversy when he said his form of cancer is caused by oral sex. While he was technically correct, his spokesman said he wasn’t speaking specifically about his cancer.

Walker said that Douglas’ diagnosis and subsequent treatment may have added to the strain on his marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones.

“I’m sure it’s not been easy for her to cope with the stress of Michael’s illness,” she said. “She’s just had another round of treatment for her bipolar and if she can keep that in check under all this stress it will be a miracle.”

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones began dating in March 1999, and married on November 18, 2000. Zeta-Jones said that, when they met, Douglas told her, “I want to father your children” — which he did. Dylan Michael was born August 8, 2000, and Carys Zeta was born April 20, 2003.

[Photo credit: JStone / Shutterstock.com]