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Val Kilmer confirms cancer diagnosis after denying Michael Douglas' claim

Sharnaz Shahid
Deputy Online Editor
May 1, 2017
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Hollywood actor Val Kilmer has admitted he is recovering from cancer. His admission comes months after he denied Michael Douglas' claim that he was battling the disease. During his Ask Me Anything segment on Reddit last week, the 57-year-old confirmed the news. One Reddit user asked him: "A while ago, Michael Douglas claimed you had terminal cancer. What was the story behind that?" To which, Val replied: "He was probably trying to help me cause press probably asked where I was these days, and I did have a healing of cancer, but my tongue is still swollen altho healing all the time. Because I don’t sound my normal self yet people think I may still be under the weather." [sic]

val a© Photo: Getty Images

Val Kilmer has admitted he is recovering from cancer

At an event in London, back in October, Michael told fans: "Things don't look too good for him. My prayers are with him. That's why you haven't heard too much from Val lately." The 72-year-old beat stage 4 oral cancer in 2013. However, just a few days later, Val dismissed the claims and revealed Michael was "misinformed". He wrote on Facebook: "The last time I spoke to him was almost two years ago, when I asked him for a referral for a specialist to get a diagnosis for a lump in my throat, which prevented me from continuing a tour of my play CITIZEN TWAIN."

STORY: Michael Douglas claims Val Kilmer is battling cancer

The star added: "I ended up using a team at UCLA and have no cancer whatsoever. I still have a swollen tongue and am rehabbing steadily. I've made three films in the last year, one of which I directed and am presenting as a personal appearance, introducing it and then answering questions after. Come see me live and happy and in person in Westwood next week if you think I'm fibbing!" He later continued: "Whatever led Michael Douglas to speculate about my health, he's a loving and devoted friend to a privileged group of talented people around the world, and I'm sure he meant no harm.

douglas a© Photo: Getty Images

Last year Michael Douglas claimed that the star was battling oral cancer 

"Being healthy and having the respect of my peers and love from my family, friends, peers and fans is a daily source of inspiration, for which I am so grateful, you have no idea. I work very hard at my craft, and being appreciated since I was a little boy for being able to give this gift, has literally made my life." He concluded: "Thank you all. And I've only just begun, now that I'm finally telling stories that I've written and produced the way my vision intends them. God bless you all and I hope to see you in Westwood on the 10th and 17th at the Landmark. Yahoo!"

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