Allegations of Assault: Natalie Wood Accused Kirk Douglas of Misconduct

For years, a troubling rumor has lingered in Hollywood's shadows: Natalie Wood, a teenage starlet, was reportedly s**ually assaulted by a senior movie icon twice her age during a rendezvous at a Los Angeles hotel.

In an upcoming memoir, Wood's younger sibling discloses the long-speculated perpetrator as Kirk Douglas.

Lana Wood recounts dropping off Natalie at the Chateau Marmont entrance one summer evening in 1955, coinciding with her filming of “The Searchers.”

The meeting, orchestrated by their mother Maria Zakharenko, aimed to leverage Douglas' influence for Natalie's career advancement.

Upon Natalie's return to the car, Lana describes her sister as visibly distressed and disheveled.

Their secretive conversation hinted at a distressing encounter that left Natalie unable to confide in her young sister at the time.

Years later, Natalie confided in Lana about the ordeal, revealing the emotional turmoil she endured during her meeting with Douglas.

Lana vividly recalls Natalie's haunting words recounting the incident, expressing fear and confusion over the traumatic experience.

Despite the gravity of the situation, both Natalie and Maria decided against publicly accusing Douglas, fearing irreparable damage to Natalie's professional reputation.

Maria's advice to “suck it up” underscored the prevailing culture of silence and the prioritization of career preservation.

Lana delves into Natalie's mysterious death in 1981 off Catalina Island, initially deemed an accidental drowning but later subject to renewed scrutiny and suspicion surrounding her husband Robert Wagner.

Amidst these revelations, Lana reflects on her unspoken promise to Natalie, which persisted even after Douglas' passing in 2020 at the age of 103.

In response to these allegations, Michael Douglas, Kirk's son, offered a brief statement extending condolences to both parties.

Kirk Douglas, a renowned actor in his late 30s during the purported assault, gained fame for iconic films like “Spartacus” and “The Bad and the Beautiful.”

Known for his progressive activism and philanthropy, Douglas played a pivotal role in challenging the Cold War blacklist by championing Dalton Trumbo in Hollywood.

Acknowledging his personal flaws as a womanizer and unfaithful spouse, Douglas received numerous accolades recognizing his artistic contributions and humanitarian endeavors.

Reflecting on his encounters with Natalie, Douglas had shared fond memories of their initial meeting and subsequent interactions before her tragic demise.

Despite the passage of time, the recent disclosures shed new light on a dark chapter in Hollywood's history, prompting a reevaluation of past events and the enduring impact on those involved.