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Actor Michael Douglas arrives for the Chaplin Awards in New York on May 8, 2017.Carlo Allegri/Reuters

A woman who worked for Michael Douglas in the late 1980s says he fondled himself in front of her — an allegation the actor has vigorously denied.

Susan Braudy appeared Friday on NBC's "Today" show.

Braudy, a journalist and author, says the actor unbuckled his belt, put his hand into his trousers and fondled himself in her presence. She says a friend later cautioned her not to tell anyone.

Douglas, a two-time Oscar winner, told Deadline earlier this month that he anticipated an upcoming report would contain an allegation by a former employee that he acted inappropriately in front of her about 32 years ago. He called it a "complete lie, fabrication." He says his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, "has been very supportive."

Douglas' publicist said he would have no further comment.

Heritage Minister Melanie Joly met with entertainment industry groups on Wednesday to encourage “zero tolerance” on workplace harassment in the arts. Joly says the arts sector is at the “forefront of social change.”

The Canadian Press

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