Embattled star Don Johnson has hit back at reports he was involved in a massive money laundering ring. The former Miami Vice star has branded the allegations "farcical" and warned he will fight back to clear his name. "The gloves are off," declared the actor.
Don was detained by German authorities after crossing the border from Switzerland with £5 billion in a suitcase. Customs officials have confirmed Johnson is under investigation, though no criminal charges have been filed as yet.
"There is no merit to this story. It has no merit, no foundation," said the 53-year-old. "They have taken a routine incident and blown it up into this money-laundering ring that supposedly I am involved in, and it has caused me unbelievable difficulty."
"I have had two bank accounts closed. I'm in a new partnership in an investment business and both of those bank accounts were closed today as a result of this story."
Don says he had been in Zurich to discuss a film financing project with some associates. "They gave me some bank statements, some resumes, stuff like that to show they could perform as investors… My assistant had them in a briefcase." When his car was stopped by German customs officers, however, the actor said he was carrying the documents as he intended to buy a car.
"I don't know that I will ever be able to clear my reputation and regain my credibility," he admitted. "It makes it very difficult for people to do business with you because the perception is there that one time you were involved in something shady. "The only thing I can do is deny these charges, show there is no truth in them and let people know I am not going to sit idly back and be slandered and accused of things that are beneath my character." He has now hired a legal team in Germany to fight his corner.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
