Rep: Douglas misquoted about cancer cause

Celebs

Randee Dawn TODAY contributor

3 hours ago

David Azia / AP file

Michael Douglas.

A reportedly key source of Michael Douglas' throat cancer has been much in the headlines in recent days thanks to comments the Oscar-winning actor made in an interview with the UK's Guardian newspaper; now, a representative for the Oscar-winning actor has said that Douglas' comments were misconstrued.

In response, on Monday the Guardian posted a clip from the audio interview of the quote in question.

Douglas' rep Allen Burry told the Associated Press on Monday that, "In a discussion with the newspaper, they talked about the causes of oral cancer, one of which was oral sex, which is noted and has been known for a while now."

But the Guardian stood by its story and the writer, Xan Brooks, saying it "firmly denies this charge of misrepresentation."

The audio available at the link above does have some background noise, but this is the transcript of what is said in the key section, where Douglas says oral sex led to his throat cancer:

Question: Do you feel, in hindsight, that you overloaded your system? Overloaded your system with drugs, smoking, drink?

Douglas: No. No. I mean, ah, without getting too specific, this particular cancer is caused by something called HPV, which actually comes about from cunnilingus.

Douglas, who can be seen in HBO's biopic "Behind the Candelabra," was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer in 2010. After treatment, he says he has now recovered.

Source: http://www.today.com/entertainment/rep-michael-douglas-was-misquoted-about-cause-cancer-6C10185379

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