Michael Douglas discusses son Cameron, separation after Emmy win

After mentioning son Cameron Douglas briefly in his acceptance speech at Sunday’s Emmy Awards, winner Michael Douglas expanded on the situation backstage, addressing his son’s current five-year stint in federal prison.

“My son is in federal prison based upon he’s been a drug addict for a large part of his life and was selling drugs,� Douglas said.

Part of the punishment, he explained, is that if a person uses drugs while incarcerated — “if you happen to have a slip,� Douglas said — that prisoner gets extra punishment.

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“In my son’s case, he has spent almost two years in solitary confinement� despite his being a nonviolent offense, Douglas told reporters Sunday night. “Right now, I’m being told I can’t see him for two years. It’s been over a year now, and I’m questioning the system.

“At first, I was certainly disappointed with my son, but it’s reached a point now.... Attorney General Eric Holder has been dealing with this and other issues regarding our prison system. I think other things are going to be revived regarding nonviolent drug-addict prisoners. The United States represents 5% of the world’s population and 25% of the world’s prisoners.�

Douglas’ ex, Diandra Douglas, who had a bitter divorce battle with Michael, joined him in supporting their son, telling TMZ on Thursday that Cameron was being treated badly in solitary confinement at the Cumberland Federal Prison in Maryland. The prison had no comment to the website.

Aside from Cameron, Douglas also in his speech mentioned his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, from whom he’s separated.
“Everybody is fine,� he told “Entertainment Tonight‘s� Nancy O’Dell backstage Sunday. “Nothing really more to say. We were just taking a little break. We’re talking. I think everything will be fine, and I’m very hopeful.�
So with luck that separation will truly be a break and not a breakup.
ALSO:

Cameron Douglas sentenced to five years in prison

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have separated

Michael Douglas’ son Cameron reportedly beaten badly in prison

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