UPDATE:
Today on The View, Barbara Walters clarifies yet another rumour surrounding Michael Douglas’ controversial comments about oral sex and the HPV virus contributing to his throat cancer.
Barbara, who is very close to the couple says the actor told her: “Catherine is healthy. She does not have the HPV virus.”; The show’s co-host continues, “He doesn’t know how he got cancer, and joked ‘I would have the Nobel Prize if I knew how I got cancer.’ He doesn’t want anyone to think he got it from his wife. He says he never expected to be the poster boy for head and neck cancer.”;
But she also adds, Michael who made an announcement on Monday at an American Cancer Society’s One Centennial Sensation event, is happy he’s helping “raising awareness about HPV and it is prompting some parents with teenage children to get the HPV vaccine for them.”
Although the 68-year-old Behind The Candelabra star was at the event to celebrate the organization’s 100th birthday, he took to the stage to say:
“I never expected to become a poster boy for head and neck cancer, but, if after what started out as trying to answer a couple of questions about the suspected sources of this disease results in opening up discussion and furthering public awareness then I’ll stand by that. Head and neck cancer can be caused by many things including HPV virus, smoking, alcohol, drug abuse, genes, environment and stress. I do not know what caused my cancer. If I did I’d have a Nobel Prize. I do know that I am here today because of incredible advances in cancer research and treatment. Early awareness is a key factor. If this episode contributes to public awareness all the better.“
Earlier this week Michael’s rep Allen Burry denied rumours that the actor blamed the act of cunnilingus for giving him cancer saying, “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.”;
In response, the original publication to publish the interview, The Guardian, has now posted the audio version to prove their point. In the original interview, when asked if Michael attributed his cancer to drinking and smoking, responds saying, “No. Without getting too specific, this particular cancer is caused by something called HPV, which actually comes from cunnilingus.”;
For anyone who’s still skeptical, you can listen to it here. The Guardian has stated it “firmly denies this charge of misrepresentation.”;