Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman has issued an apology for making women feel “uneasy”, following a CNN report in which eight women alleged that he sexually harassed them or made inappropriate marks.
“Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy,” he said in a statement according to multiple reports.
“I apologise to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected — that was never my intent.”
CNN reported that two women alleged, Freeman, 80, touched them inappropriately. One of them, a production assistant, said the actor repeatedly tried to life her skirt.
CNN spoke to 16 people about Freeman — eight said they had experienced harassment or inappropriate behaviour and eight said they had witnessed such conduct.
Over time, the women said they dressed conservatively when they knew Freeman would be around in hopes it would prevent inappropriate comments about their bodies or outfits.
He is the latest well-known Hollywood star to be accused of sexual misconduct after allegations of sex attacks by producer Harvey Weinstein led to the development of the #MeToo campaign against sexual harassment.
Freeman has been fighting rumours he had an affair with his step-granddaughter for years, and now the gossip is getting a prime-time hearing in a gruesome murder trial, putting the acclaimed actor back in an uncomfortable spotlight.
The National Enquirer first claimed in 2009 that Freeman had a secret, long-term affair with his step-granddaughter E’Dena Hines. In the years following, there were multiple reports that Freeman and Hines were in love and planning to marry.
In 2012, however, both Freeman and Hines reportedly released statements completely denying the claims, with Hines referring to Freeman as her “grandfather” and saying that the rumours were hurtful to her family.