According to Douglas, he was told: “We have information that someone will try to stab you with an HIV-infected needle tonight.”
The incident occurred during the height of the Aids crisis, when public fear and misinformation surrounding HIV transmission were widespread.
Douglas recalled believing an attack involving an infected needle could have fatal consequences.
He wrote: “This was during the height of the Aids crisis, and getting stabbed with an infected needle would essentially be a death sentence.”
The actor was informed undercover officers had been deployed throughout the auditorium to protect him, although authorities had apparently been unable to identify the individual responsible for the alleged threat.
Michael said the police sergeant attempted to reassure him that security personnel would prevent anyone from approaching the stage.
Rather than immediately withdrawing from the ceremony, the actor decided to step outside.
He wrote he “went outside for a smoke”, accompanied by the police sergeant.
Despite the warning, Michael proceeded with his scheduled appearance, describing how he searched the audience for any sign of danger as he walked towards the stage.
He wrote: “This whole evening felt surreal. When it was time to present the award for Best Actress, as I walked out, I took a quick glance into the crowd to make sure that no one was rushing to the stage.”
He added: “All I could see were blinding lights.”
The alleged threat has also been described by an unnamed friend of Douglas, who spoke to Page Six about the actor’s experience.
The friend claimed: “He was advised by the agent not to go out there [on stage]. They knew the person was in [the venue], but they didn’t know where.”
They added: “([They] could have been in the staff, the crew or the crowd.”
According to the friend, Michael was terrified by the warning but remained determined to fulfil his commitment.
The friend said: “Michael was scared s***less. It was a really ballsy move for him to go out there.”
Douglas wrote the authorities “never apprehended the source of the threat”.
The incident is among several previously undisclosed episodes in One Helluva Ride, which examines Douglas’ six decades in Hollywood, his relationships and his struggles with alcohol and drugs.
The actor, whose films include Fatal Attraction, Basic Instinct, Romancing the Stone and The American President, also discusses growing up as the son of Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, who died in 2020 aged 103.
Michael’s recent disclosures include an account of his relationship with Kathleen Turner, 72, his co-star in Romancing the Stone, and an affair with Jeanne Tripplehorn, 63, with whom he appeared in Basic Instinct.