Update: Morgan Freeman has issued an apology for making women feel "uneasy" in the wake of a CNN report which claims that the actor sexually harassed or made inappropriate remarks toward eight women.
“Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy,” Freeman said in a statement obtained by Variety. “I apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected — that was never my intent,” says Freeman.
Original Article:
Iconic actor Morgan Freeman has been accused of sexual misconduct by eight women. Recently, sixteen individuals spoke to CNN about the actor's alleged inappropriate behavior, while sharing the details of numerous disturbing incidents throughout his storied career. These unsettling accounts have come from eight witnesses to the alleged accounts, and eight people who claim to be victims of Freeman's improper behavior.
While speaking with CNN, one young production assistant told the outlet that in the summer of 2015, while working on the geriatric bank heist comedy GOING IN STYLE, she was the target of several months-worth of harassment. She claims that Freeman touched her without permission, allowing his hand to rest on her lower back or rubbing her lower back, and frequently made comments about her body and workplace attire. The woman also alleges that, during an undesirable interaction with the SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION actor, that Freeman "kept trying to lift up my skirt and asking if I was wearing underwear." While she does say that Morgan was unsuccessful in lifting up her skirt, she claims that "Alan [Arkin] made a comment telling him to stop. Morgan got freaked out and didn't know what to say."
Another allegation of Freeman's harmful behavior stems from a senior member of the production staff for the stylish heist film NOW YOU SEE ME. The staff member says that in 2012, during the film's production, Freeman "did comment on our bodies… We knew that if he was coming by … not to wear any top that would show our breasts, not to wear anything that would show our bottoms, meaning not wearing clothes that [were] fitted."
Those who represent Freeman have asked that CNN email the "detailed list" of the accusations made against the actor to the proper channels for further investigation. So far, no statement has been made on Freeman's behalf.
Morgan now joins an ever-increasing list of Hollywood elite who've been accused of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior, since the fall of mogul Harvey Weinstein, late last year. The RED actor is now 80-years-old, with a legendary career that spans almost five decades.