Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have dismissed speculation about any boycott of CNN, contrary to recent gossip suggesting they are refusing to engage with the network. The Michael Douglas CNN boycott rumors surfaced following an on-air debate involving their son, Dylan Douglas, but both actors have made it clear they hold no grudge against CNN or its coverage.
Actors Rebuff Claims of CNN Blacklist
In the days after a contentious political debate, representatives for Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones reached out to clarify their standing with CNN. Talk spread rapidly that the couple was angry over their son Dylan’s debate with conservative pundit Scott Jennings on the network’s program, NewsNight. This led to claims from gossip columnist Rob Shuter, who asserted on Substack that Douglas and Zeta-Jones were furious with CNN to the extent of planning to “blacklist the whole network.”
However, a spokesperson for Catherine Zeta-Jones addressed the situation, stating,
“The rumor that Catherine and Michael are boycotting CNN is news to them,”
Entertainment Weekly reported. The same representative emphasized their support for truthful journalism by saying,
“They support accurate reporting, which this rumor isn’t.”
Michael Douglas’ representative added their perspective, telling Entertainment Weekly that the actor has
“no problem with going on or watching CNN”
himself, directly countering speculation about any personal grievances or intentions to avoid the network.
Origins of the Boycott Story
The story picked up steam after Dylan Douglas faced Scott Jennings during a televised discussion covering the government shutdown, with Dylan representing the weekly SiriusXM show Young Americans and Jennings known for his work with President George W. Bush and ties to former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Some conservative voices on social media declared Jennings the winner of the debate, and soon afterward, the rumor of a Douglas family CNN boycott began circulating.
Jennings addressed the topic when Meghan McCain, on her Citizen McCain podcast, asked about the supposed fallout between CNN and the celebrity couple. Jennings commented on the situation with a touch of humor, stating,
“I’m more than willing to apologize personally to Catherine Zeta-Jones over a nice seafood dinner if she wants to do it.”
— Scott Jennings, Pundit
Debate Aftermath and Public Reactions
Recalling his interaction with Dylan Douglas, Jennings reflected on their off-air rapport, saying,
“I think he was honored to be there.”
— Scott Jennings, Pundit. Despite the heated exchanges during the debate, he remarked,
“We had what is relatively a normal kind of exchange. He made his Democratic talking points. I dismantled them. This is not an uncommon thing that happens on CNN. I was as surprised as you are to see that his parents were upset about it.”
— Scott Jennings, Pundit
Jennings then questioned the role of Dylan’s parents in the aftermath, saying,
“I kind of feel bad for him in that his parents are out complaining about it,”
and continued,
“I never saw Dylan complaining about it. But now in the gossip rags, his parents are out complaining about it. I don’t know. To me, I think Dylan was probably okay with how everything went, but when your parents jump out there in the public domain and complain on your behalf, it makes you look pretty weak.”
— Scott Jennings, Pundit
Comments on Media Exposure and Young Liberals
Jennings also offered his thoughts about Dylan and his peers, suggesting that Dylan is part of a group of liberals who
“never really talk to Republicans or conservatives,”
which may have affected his performance during the televised encounter. Jennings elaborated,
“They don’t really get outside of their bubble where everyone’s telling them how smart and good looking they are. And then they wind up on television with someone of a different persuasion. And it is surprising to them. And so I hope Dylan comes back. I’m sure he’ll get better at it.”
— Scott Jennings, Pundit
Dylan Douglas Responds to Controversy
As speculation over the family’s alleged boycott grew, Dylan Douglas issued a response to Entertainment Weekly about the situation and Scott Jennings’ ongoing attention.
“I was Surprised and slightly flattered, that Scott Jennings still cared so much about our conversation three weeks after it happened,”
Dylan said in his statement. — Dylan Douglas, Son of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones
He continued by reflecting on his experience, contrasting his expectations with reality.
“I heard so many nasty things about the guy before going on the show, but in person found him to be very pleasant. The fact that almost a month later, he’s attacking me on who my parents are, rather than the differences we have politically, is disappointing. I understand he just released a book, maybe this is part of his promotional effort? Regardless I wish him and his book well.”
— Dylan Douglas, Son of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones
The Broader Implications and What Lies Ahead
This controversy has drawn attention to how quickly rumors can spread across social media and entertainment news circles, especially when high-profile families like Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are involved. The swift and direct responses from both actors indicate that they prefer to set the record straight about their relationship with CNN and public perception. As the public discussion moves on, the incident highlights the ongoing tensions between political commentators, household names in entertainment, and the fast-moving world of celebrity gossip. For now, the Michael Douglas CNN boycott rumors appear to be firmly denied, with no boycott planned or underway, and with Dylan Douglas continuing to engage publicly on political topics.
