Actor Michael Douglas fondled himself in front of her, ex-employee says

In this Dec. 9. 2016, file photo, actor Michael Douglas and his wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, attend a party at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
In this Dec. 9. 2016, file photo, actor Michael Douglas and his wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, attend a party at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.

NEW YORK — A woman who worked for Michael Douglas in the late 1980s says he fondled himself in front of her — an allegation the actor has vigorously denied.

Susan Braudy appeared Friday on NBC's Today show.

Braudy, a journalist and author, said the actor unbuckled his belt, put his hand into his trousers and fondled himself in her presence. She said a friend later cautioned her not to tell anyone.

Douglas, a two-time Oscar winner, told Deadline earlier this month that he anticipated a coming report would contain an allegation by a former employee that he acted inappropriately in front of her about 32 years ago. He called it a "complete lie, fabrication." He said his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, "has been very supportive."

Douglas' publicist said he would have no further comment.

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