Michael has since openly expressed regret for missing out on his eldest son Cameron’s childhood, attributing it to being “overloaded” by his Hollywood career.

In an April 2024 interview, the father of three admitted that his intense work schedule with his ex-wife Diandra led him to prioritize work and other responsibilities over family. He even wrote to a judge during one of Cameron’s legal cases, taking responsibility as “a bad father.”

Reflecting on that time, he said, “Cameron suffered a lot from that time… I was just overwhelmed and overloaded by my work. And family was really taking third place after work, our country and then the family, as opposed to when Catherine and I got together.”

Michael Douglas and the mother of his son divorced in June 2000 following 23 years of marriage. Years later, Diandra reflected on their time together. The mom of one reflected on her relationship with Michael, stating, “I loved Michael very much when I married him,” and expressing that she believes love never truly disappears.

Diandra and the two-time Oscar winner became embroiled in a legal dispute over whether she was entitled to part of his earnings from “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,” as the original was made during their marriage.