Michael Douglas Says Catherine Zeta-Jones Was 'Outed' in Bipolar Fight

By Rob Shuter Posted Apr 26th 2011 09:05AM

A raspy-voiced Michael Douglas is speaking out about Catherine Zeta-Jones' battle with bipolar II disorder, telling Oprah Winfrey in an interview airing Tuesday that his actress wife's private struggle with depression was cruelly "outed" by the media.

"I must say, Catherine's being quite open about it because she was outed, you know," he said. "She went to go get some help and some other patient probably in there said, 'Hey, you won't believe who's in here now.' And, so, once that happens, I think she felt [it] best to kind of get out the story."

He is referring to the fact that the National Enquirer first reported that Zeta-Jones was in a mental health facility, which then prompted a statement from the actress hours later.

Michael told the talk show queen why she was reluctant at first to talk about her problems.

"My oldest son is in federal prison, my ex-wife is suing me, and I got cancer. It's kind of hard for the wife to say, 'I'm depressed,'" Michael tells Oprah.

Catherine spent a total of five days in a mental health clinic to get help, leading Michael to tell PEOPLE magazine, "It takes a lot of courage to seek help and I am proud of Catherine for doing something positive about her situation. It's onwards and upwards for us."

She added: "This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them. If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it's worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help."

The actress is already back at work and seemed upbeat in Louisiana, where she is filming with Gerard Butler, Uma Thurman and Jessica Biel.

"Catherine is one of a kind," a friend of the Oscar winner tells me. "Of course the couple hoped that this would remain private, but when it became clear the tabloids were going to expose her private business, the two of them, both Catherine and Michael, couldn't have acted in a more classy manner."

The 'Oprah' interview wasn't all about Catherine, however. Michael also provided a positive update on his health struggles, telling O that so far his cancer has not returned.

"This particular type of cancer has a good record of not coming back," he said. "But it can. So for the first year I've got to go every month and get checked in every three months."

Has he gotten checked out and cleared for this month? "I have. I'm cool."

► Follow @NaughtyNiceRob on Twitter!

Tags: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas

Comments

(195)

Tuesday 26 April

By Nick Mayor

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

How many times did your mother drop you on your head? Private health information is PRIVATE, regardless of your celebrity status. You have outed yourself as being remarkably insensitive and ignorant.

By SANDRA

Vote down Vote up Report this

mrpell you are an idiot.

By Diana

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Of course she was, Their isnt a shred of honesty or humility with any of the Douglas's. Look at their family, Nothing but drugs and egos. Sad. Catherine was a beauty before she was involved with them, now she looks like a wax doll (ala Joan Rivers). Money can NOT buy you love honey.

By Chantal

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Wow you must know both Michael and Catherine and the whole Douglas family. To make a blanket statement about how they are full of ego and drugs is just stupid. I guess you do believe everything you read. I guess Michael was just feining cancer too. So how do you know the Douglas family, I'm curious...

By KittyM

Lol! Touche Chantal...good response. I'm sure this person gets their "inside information" from gossip rags.

Wednesday 27 April

By bmistysnow55

Have you read any of Douglas fathers books?

They weren't speaking for years. Kirk Douglas wrote filth about his leading ladies, and made himself a magnificent hero.
Son of a Ragman. He uses the "F" word throughout.

his famous quotation: "there is no such thing as a monogamous man." Meaning he cheated on all of his wives. Typical Jew who trashed anyone for money....so sue me.

By Ronnie

shes faking, jealous of all her husbands attention while he was sick.

I am a licensed therapist who works with BiPolar patients and I am stunned at the grossly ignorant remarks about Ms. Zeta-Jones and her illness.

By Amy

Your Buisness is no longer your Buisness when your in this buisness!

By Rhettcbowling

Amy,

We all have our problems. I'm lyslexic and you my be too. I'm not trying to belittle you but you spelled business wrong three time in a row.

By Retired Army Brat

5 days for bipolar? I never heard of getting great treatment for any mental health affliction in 5 days. Let alone at a NICE place because your husband & you are famous ACTORS.
What in the world can mental health professionals do for a person with BIPOLAR II? in 5 DAYS. lucky!

By Suncatcher

They can get her on new or additional meds in 5 days. She's had this for years and is probably already on a therapy RX.

By motherbird

Professionals can give you a pill and send you home in 5 days with the advise, not to drink. Follow the rules and you will get well. I know because my daughter is bi polar and it did not take even 5 days to know what they were treating her for. stress and depression. So the Douglas family will be ok in time. Try cancer and then tell me how you feel. ok ? Leave them alone and let them recover. Also if they ignor the press, then the press will say they a snobs. sometimes you cannot win for losing. Can you ?

By gposner29

Thank goodness for HIPPA LAWS or the press would have a field day!

By Carla Andresen

Catherine, thank you for speaking for so many of us that struggle with Bipolar. I have it and am proud to speak about it. My love goes to you and Michael.

By noteff

Amen. And thank you too. I'm bipolar too.

So are you Evelyn...along with Michael's ex-wife who still wants more money and is suing him despite their divorce. Women are are hideous, transparent creatures.

gposner29 - Yet where would you be without women? Or have you never met a good woman? Poor, poor you.

By fifiwereking

it must be so... one of them produced you...

By John

What is the problem with being bi-polar? Does it make her a different person than she was prior to the slimy press making it known to the world? Why does Michael Douglas feel the need to make his whiny point through Oprah? Is he ashamed of her condition?

Many of the celebrities in this world have "real people" afflictions and maladies. Don't put them on a pedestal or let them pretend to be better than others (except in their profession) and they won't fall down and have to be defended.

Page 3 of 10