Val Kilmer struggled to speak during an appearance on Thursday at a screening of the film version of his play Citizen Twain.

The actor had been forced to deny rumours he was suffering from cancer earlier this month, after friend Michael Douglas said he was, "dealing with exactly what I had, and things don't look too good for him.”

But at the event in Los Angeles Kilmer told the audience he was still dealing with a swollen tongue, but declined to comment on his health any further.

Val KilmerVal Kilmer struggled to speak during an appearance on Thursday

“I went into rehearsals down in Florida and started having trouble with my speech,” he told the audience, according to People.

“Obviously I’m still recovering. My tongue swelled up and I canceled the tour. As I’m recovering I’m showing this.”

More: Val Kilmer Clarifies That He Is Not Suffering From Throat Cancer

Last week the actor had denied he had cancer in a Facebook post, after the comments made by his friend Michael Douglas.

"I love Michael Douglas but he is misinformed," he wrote.

More: 'Things Don't Look Good For Val Kilmer': Michael Douglas Claims Actor Has Cancer

"The last time I spoke to him was almost two years ago, when I asked him for a referral for a specialist to get a diagnosis for a lump in my throat, which prevented me from continuing a tour of my play CITIZEN TWAIN.

“I ended up using a team at UCLA and have no cancer whatsoever. I still have a swollen tongue and am rehabbing steadily,” he added.