LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actor Don Johnson says bank statements found in his car listing $8 billion in transactions weren’t his — and he is in no way involved in money laundering.
Johnson told CNN’s Larry King on Friday that the papers, discovered by German customs officials in November when he crossed the border from Switzerland, belonged to potential investors with whom he was discussing a movie project.
The former “Miami Vice” and “Nash Bridges” star said he might sue a German tabloid and other media that published stories last week alleging he was involved in illegal activities.
“They perpetuated this story of money laundering based on no evidence, based on no investigation, and it’s caused me an unbelievable grief, unbelievable grief,” he said, adding that banks closed two of his accounts because of the story.
“My son called me crying,” said Johnson, 53. “It’s been terrible. This has been one of the most difficult weeks of my life.”
Johnson said he was returning to Germany from a meeting in Switzerland when the officials made a routine check of his car.
Customs spokesman Wolfgang Schmitz said the officials returned the papers after making copies and are continuing to review them. He said there was no indication of any illegal transactions.
Johnson said he thought nothing of the incident at the time.
“I signed some autographs, we joked around,” he said of the time he spent with customs officials.