Michael Douglas Reveals FBI Alerted Him to HIV-Infected Needle Threat at 1992 Oscars

Michael Douglas was informed by the FBI and LAPD of a credible threat against him at the 1992 Academy Awards, a plot involving an attempt to stab him with an HIV-infected needle, the actor revealed in his memoir "One Helluva Ride."

Douglas described arriving at the ceremony to present an award, only to be met by law enforcement officials who briefed him on the danger. "This was during the height of the AIDS crisis, and getting stabbed with an infected needle would essentially be a death sentence," Douglas wrote, recalling the palpable fear of the era. Many attendees, including himself, wore red ribbons that night to support the fight against AIDS.

To counter the threat, undercover FBI agents were present within the audience and provided security for Douglas, even escorting him during a smoke break outside the venue. Despite the danger, Douglas proceeded with his role, presenting Jodie Foster with the Best Actress award for her performance in "The Silence of the Lambs."

A friend of Douglas confirmed the incident, stating that the actor was advised against going on stage and was "scared s–tless." The friend added that the authorities knew the individual was in the venue but could not pinpoint their location among the staff, crew, or crowd.

The memoir also details another serious threat from Douglas's past. While filming the 1970s television series "The Streets of San Francisco," he was reportedly on the "kill list" of the Death Angels, a group responsible for the racially motivated Zebra Murders. This led to him wearing a bulletproof vest and being protected by undercover officers on set.

"One Helluva Ride" explores various aspects of Douglas's life, including his relationship with his father, Kirk Douglas, his romantic relationships, and behind-the-scenes accounts of his films. The book also touches upon his previously revealed affair with "Romancing the Stone" co-star Kathleen Turner.