Morgan Freeman Accused Of Sexual Harassment, Inappropriate Behavior
Morgan Freeman has been accused of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by several women.
READ: Russell Simmons Writes Open Letter Denying Sexual Assault Allegations
16 people — eight witnesses and eight who claim to be victims — spoke to CNN about the actor's problematic behavior, which spans throughout his career.
In one incident, an anonymous victim claimed that while she was working with Freeman on the film Going in Style as a production assistant, the actor repeatedly touched her without permission as well as "kept trying to lift up my skirt and asking if I was wearing underwear." After actor Alan Arkin called Freeman out for his behavior he "got freaked out and didn't know what to say."
The investigation stems from CNN reporter Chloe Melas, who co-authored the story and was the only victim who spoke on the record. Melas claims that during a press junket interview for Going in Style, Freeman shook her hand and repeated a variation of "I wish I was there," and also told her "You are ripe." Melas, who was six months pregnant at the time, said that the room was full of people that included his co-stars Arkin and Michael Caine, and the cameras were rolling when Freeman made the latter remark.
Following the report, a representative for Freeman issued the following statement:
"Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy. I apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected — that was never my intent."
Source: CNN