Val Kilmer confirms cancer battle for first time and reveals he’s ‘had a healing’ after initially denying claims by Michael Douglas
The star spoke to fans on a Reddit forum and revealed that he is now recovering from the disease
VAL Kilmer has publicly spoken about this throat cancer diagnosis for the first time since Michael Douglas' revelation last year.
The 56-year-old former Batman star had previously denied that he had been diagnosed with the disease, but spoke candidly during a question and answer session with fans on Reddit on Wednesday, where he acknowledged his condition.
His admission came after one fan asked: "A while ago, Michael Douglas claimed you had terminal cancer.
"What was the story behind that?"
Despite previously saying Michael was "misinformed" when he said Val had cancer, the actor finally said he had a "healing".
He responded: "He was probably trying to help me cause press probably asked where I was these days, and I did have a healing of cancer."
The Top Gun star later added: "But my tongue is still swollen altho healing all the time [sic] because I don’t sound my normal self yet people think I may still be under the weather.”
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His comment is the first time the star has spoken candidly about his health issues.
Michael Douglas, 72, revealed in a chat with Jonathan Ross last year that Val was "dealing with exactly what I had" and "things didn't look good for him".
Michael's comments came after Val was hospitalised in January 2015 for bleeding from the throat.
In June last year he wrote on his Facebook page: “I am perfectly well folks.
“Thank you for all your love and support.
“I am having a grand time.
“And I should mention I do not have cancer or a tumor.(sic)”
Four months later Val once again denied he was unwell, but was later seen with a tracheotomy tube in his neck.
Val later revealed that following Michael's announcement, he had sent a letter of apology.
He wrote online: "Michael Douglas wrote me a nice note apologising for suggesting to the press overseas, I ‘wasn’t doing too well …’ and was grateful to hear I am doing well.
“He’s a classy guy."
However, in November last year, he once again sparked concerns after he was forced to cancel a string of tour dates after he slurred his speech during one chat.
Despite battling the illness, Val has appeared to remain in good spirits on his social media sites - including pulling on a Batman mask two days ago for the first time since his 1995 appearance in Batman Forever.
He also met with fans earlier this month at Indiana ComicCon, and posted pictures of himself wearing bunny ears as he messed around backstage.
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