WWW- MICHAEL Douglas’s brother Eric, who was found dead in a Manhattan apartment on July 6, was tortured by the fact that he couldn’t admit to being gay, the National Enquirer claims.

The tab relays that Douglas once hit on Enquirer reporter Rick Egusquiza when he confessed his secret in 2001. “Having to hide my true feelings from my family is why I drink and take drugs,” Douglas told the tabloid. “I truly believe that the real reason for all of my problems stems from having to hide my sexuality.”