Media Eye News Bureau: A former employee of Michael Douglas’ has come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against him. Susan Braudy, a journalist and author who worked for Douglas’s production company, Stonebridge Productions, in the late 1980s, says she kept notes and files from her time working with Douglas and asserts that not only did Douglas used profane language, but that he also masturbated in front of her during a script meeting in his apartment. The allegations came over a week after Douglas gave an interview in which he said, “I’m bewildered why, after 32 years, this is coming out, now.”
Braudy further claims that Douglas made inappropriate jokes, and commented on her body. She also said that Douglas asked her to sign a confidentiality agreement, which she postponed to do so for six months. She was ultimately fired in late 1989, without signing an agreement.
Douglas responded to the allegations stating that the allegations were, “an unfortunate and complete fabrication.” He added that, “This individual is an industry veteran, a senior executive, a published novelist and an established member of the women’s movement, someone with a strong voice now, as well as when she worked at my company more than three decades ago. At no time then did she express or display even the slightest feeling of discomfort working in our environment, or with me personally. That is because at no time, and under no circumstance, did I behave inappropriately toward her.”
He stated that, “coarse language or overheard private conversations with my friends that may have troubled her are a far cry from harassment. Suggesting so, does a true disservice to those who have actually endured sexual harassment and intimidation.”
Douglas was asked as to why he wanted to do the pre-empt interview; He said that the allegations sent him “reeling.” “I just couldn’t put this together,” he said. “I’ve had no contact with her, in thirty-plus years.”
He continued, “How am I, in a 50 year career in this industry, dealing with an employee 33 years ago who perhaps is disgruntled that I let her go, even though I have never heard from her in 32 years.” Douglas also flatly denied all the allegations over the course of the interview.
Braudy, however, for her part said that Douglas’s response did not surprise her. “I believe this is part of the problem, as is his pretext of victimization, these are some reasons why so many women don't come forward with their stories; Lord knows its taken 30 years and a movement for me to gather my courage.”
