Michael Douglas cites fame, family history of addiction in letter to judge about son Cameron

A five-page letter to the court handwritten by Michael Douglas was made public Monday -- a day ahead of Tuesday's scheduled sentencing for Cameron Douglas, the actor's troubled son.

In the letter, Michael says that during eight sober months of incarceration related to drug charges, Cameron "maintains his spirit, blames no one but himself, and recognizes his criminal activity began with his heroin use." 

The Oscar winner also explains that his son comes from a long line of movie stars and addicts, and has used drugs since age 13. He refers to his "bad marriage" to Cameron's mother, and the fact that his acting career frequently made him an absent father.

Also cited are a litany of relatives -- names redacted -- who have either struggled with or died from substance abuse. 

Sentencing-related pleas from grandfather Kirk Douglas, mom Diandra Douglas, stepmom Catherine Zeta-Jones and others were made public earlier this month.

Cameron Douglas, People reports, faces a "mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years" in prison after pleading guilty Jan. 27 to drug charges -- but the judge has some discretion, the magazine says.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: Michael Douglas attends the New York City Police Foundation Gala on March 16. Credit: Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images

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Comments

[Willard]

Going easy on this loser is exactly why he's continued to get into more trouble. Letting this habitual repeater out would only give him more power.

[ladyofargonne]

Cameron grew up under the exact same circumstances as his father. Being rich is no more an excuse than being poor. Drug addicts will do extreme things to support their habit. Dealing in large amounts is a purposeful process that takes planning and THOUGHT. Cameron dealt with a lot more than he needed to support his habit and himself. He was in it for the money.

[Bob]

What happened to three strikes and your out. Does it make a differnce if your old man is famous

[Grandpaw]

You do the crime; you do the time.

[Lengds]

I am of michael Douglas age group. Having a son incarcerated as result of drugs is no treat. Genetic and environmental, make it no less painful. Prison could be better, but we still live in an addictive society, and convicts have done little to harm society compared to so called good citizens like those that built Auswitz etc.