Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones deny boycotting CNN following son's viral debate moment

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have publicly dismissed claims that they are boycotting CNN. The speculation arose after their son, Dylan Douglas, participated in a debate with conservative commentator Scott Jennings on the program NewsNight last month.

"The suggestion that Catherine and Michael are refusing to work with CNN is completely false," a representative for the actors told Entertainment Weekly. "They support accurate journalism, and this rumor does not reflect that."

The rumors began after gossip columnist Rob Shuter wrote on Substack that the Hollywood couple was allegedly "furious" with CNN, claiming they wanted to "blacklist the entire network."

Scott Jennings, who appeared alongside Dylan Douglas to discuss the government shutdown, responded to the rumors on Meghan McCain's podcast Citizen McCain. "I was surprised by the claim," Jennings said. "If Catherine Zeta-Jones wants a seafood dinner, Id be happy to apologize personally."

Jennings, known for his work with former President George W. Bush and ties to Mitch McConnell, debated Dylan Douglas, host of the weekly SiriusXM show Young Americans. Many conservative viewers felt Jennings clearly won the discussion. However, he noted that Dylan was polite off-camera. "It was a normal exchange. He presented his Democratic viewpoints, I countered them. This kind of debate is common on CNN. I was as surprised as anyone to hear about the supposed outrage from his parents," Jennings explained.

Jennings also criticized the role of parental involvement in the public narrative. "I feel for Dylan. He never complained, but his parents did, which doesnt reflect well on him. He seemed fine with how things went."

He suggested Dylan may have grown up in a sheltered environment. "Some young liberals live in a very insulated bubble, rarely encountering opposing viewpoints. Facing someone with a different perspective on TV can be surprising. I hope Dylan continues to improve at navigating these conversations."

Dylan Douglas responded to Jennings comments in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. "I was surprised and a little flattered that Scott Jennings still cared about our discussion three weeks later," he said. "I found him very pleasant in person, despite prior negative things I had heard. Its disappointing that he focused on my parents rather than our political differences. I wish him and his book success."

Author: Sophia Brooks