Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-Jones' Son Too 'Spooked' To Return To CNN After Humiliating Outing

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones' son, Dylan, reportedly has no plans to return to CNN after what has been described as a brutal encounter with the network's commentator, Scott Jennings.

Last year, Dylan took part in a roundtable discussion hosted by Jennings but was reportedly left stumbling over his words under the intensity of Jennings' questioning.

Dylan Douglas is now said to have sworn off CNN, as well as any other outlets likely to challenge him, opting instead for platforms where he is more warmly received.

Any future media appearance by Dylan Douglas would not be at CNN, as the young politician appears to have sworn off the outlet.

Dylan, who is the heir to Hollywood royalty Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, had a disastrous outing at the network last year that he has yet to shake off.

"He's done with tough interviews. Done. Finished," a source told Rob Shuter's #ShuterScoop about Dylan. "If there's even a chance of pushback, he won't take the call."

During the CNN outing, Dylan was eviscerated by commentator Scott Jennings amid a discussion about the Senate passing a funding bill to reopen the government.

The heated debate between Dylan and Jennings, according to another source, left the young actor "spooked" and is reportedly influencing his decision not to return.

"CNN really spooked him," said the insider. "He felt exposed. He doesn't want to feel that again."

In addition to ruling out CNN, Dylan reportedly doesn't intend to sit down with any other news outlets that are known for their hard approach.

"Mainstream cable is a hard no," one more source added. "Anyone who might ask a follow-up question? Forget it."

Moving forward, Dylan is only keen on "doing shows where they adore him" as he "wants total control."

As such, he has on his agenda a number of friendly podcasts, SiriusXM chats, and soft-focus platforms that buy into his narrative and would let him speak without pushback.

While such appearances are likely to give the young politician good visibility, one source believes that Dylan has not worked hard enough to earn the unchallenged engagement he is seeking.

"He thinks he's the next Rachel Maddow," the insider said, "just without the homework."

Still, it appears that nothing would change his decision, at least for the foreseeable future.

"He's lived in Michael and Catherine's shadow forever," an insider shared. "Now he's center stage, and he's not letting anyone knock him off it."

"He wants applause, not analysis. CNN represents scrutiny — and that scares him," they added.

Regarding Dylan's decision, his parents likely are in support, given that sources previously claimed that they were left furious by their son's humiliating interview on CNN.

Zeta-Jones was reportedly so annoyed with the interview that she spent much time ranting to her friends about how it was "unfair and exploitative."

Douglas also had discussions with his close circle during which he allegedly said that the outlet "crossed a line."

"Dylan's never been spoken to like that in his entire life. He's always been the golden boy — adored, protected. CNN gave him a taste of the real world, and his parents hated every second of it," an insider remarked about Douglas and Zeta-Jones at the time.

A spokesperson for the A-list couple, however, addressed the claim that they plan to boycott CNN, noting that they "support accurate reporting, which this rumor isn't".

The spokesperson added that the 81-year-old Douglas has "no problem with going on or watching CNN."

Following Dylan's interviews, Jennings addressed the widespread belief that the interview was too intense for Dylan.

"We had what is relatively a normal exchange," Jennings said on Meghan McCain's "Citizen McCain" podcast, per the Daily Mail. "He made his Democratic talking points. I dismantled him. Not an uncommon thing to happen on CNN."

In the same breath, Jennings added that there were no hard feelings between him and the young politician.

"Actually, I have to say Dylan was really nice off the air," he pointed out. "I think he was honored to be there."

At the time, he also shared that he hopes Dylan makes a return to the outlet in the future.

"I hope Dylan comes back," Jennings continued. "I'm sure he'll get better at it."