Scott Jennings apologizes to Catherine Zeta-Jones after CNN spat with her son

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Conservative commentator Scott Jennings has offered an apology to Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones after drawing criticism for harshly berating her son on live television.

The controversy stems from a heated debate between Jennings and Zeta-Jones’ son, Dylan Douglas, over US social welfare policies on CNN.

On-air clash and family reaction

Jennings has said that he’ll apologize to Hollywood star Zeta-Jones after humiliating her son, on the condition that she takes him to dinner.

Jennings clashed with 25-year-old actor, activist, producer, and media personality Dylan Douglas, live on CNN on November 10, over Donald Trump’s SNAP and Affordable Care Act tax credits policies.

Later, gossip columnist Rob Shuter claimed that Dylan’s parents, Zeta-Jones, 56, and Michael Douglas, 81, were “furious.”

According to a report by Shutter, the famous pair thought the segment had “crossed a line” and were prepared to “blacklist the whole network.”

Scott Jennings' seafood dinner apology offer

On Monday, December 1, while discussing the clash on Meghan McCain’s 'Citizen McCain' podcast, Jennings joked, “I’m more than willing to apologize personally to Catherine Zeta-Jones over a nice seafood dinner if she wants to do it.”

Jennings admitted he was “surprised” to read that Zeta-Jones and Douglas had been upset about the clash." 

“We had what is relatively a normal exchange,” he said. “He made his Democratic talking points. I dismantled him. Not an uncommon thing to happen on CNN.”

“I think that what happens with some of these folks is that they exist in a very tight little bubble. They never really talk to Republicans or conservatives. They don’t really get outside of their bubbles where people tell them how smart and good-looking they are.”

“And then they wind up on television with someone of a different persuasion, and it’s surprising to them.”

Response from the Douglas family

A spokeswoman for Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas told the Daily Beast, “The rumor that Catherine and Michael are boycotting CNN is news to them. They support accurate reporting, which this rumor isn’t.”

Dylan Douglas told the Beast, “I was shocked and slightly flattered that Scott Jennings still cared so much about our conversation three weeks after it happened.“

“I heard so many nasty things about the guy before going on the show, but in person found him to be very pleasant," he continued. "The fact that almost a month later, he’s attacking me on who my parents are, rather than the difference we may have politically, is disappointing. I understand he just released a book; maybe this is part of his promotional effort. Regardless, I wish him and his book well.”