Michael Douglas Asks Judge To Show Leniency Towards His Son
Michael Douglas Cameron Douglas was arrested last July at a New York hotel and he admitted dealing methamphetamine and cocaine in January. He pleaded guilty to drug charges which carry a mandatory sentence of ten years in prison, but his actor father has called for less jail time. In a five-page handwritten letter, Michael said his 31-year-old son had been driven to a life of drug addiction because of his family’s fame, privileged upbringing and history of substance abuse. Michael was treated for alcohol abuse in 1999, while his half brother Eric Douglas died in 2004 of an accidental prescription drug and alcohol overdose.
"I love my son, but I'm not blind to his actions. ... I don't want to see him break,” Michael wrote. "I have some idea of the pressure of finding your own identity with a famous father. I'm not sure I can comprehend it with two generations to deal with.”
Michael’s wife Catherine Zeta-Jones and Cameron’s grandfather, Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, have also written letters of support.
Michael says his “bad marriage” to Diandra Douglas deeply affected Cameron, and he began mixing with the wrong crowd. “Cameron found his family in the gang mentality,” he explained, also revealing his son began abusing substances when he was 13 and often skipped school.
The Hollywood actor went on to say he has enjoyed his recent weekly visits with his son, who has sobered up in the eight months he has spent at the Manhattan federal jail. "I get to witness the wonderful young man he can be," Michael said.
Cameron is due to be sentenced today.