Morgan Freeman Accused of Sexual Harassment by Multiple Women
Following allegations against actors Jeremy Piven and James Franco, among others, for inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment, CNN now reports that beloved Hollywood star Morgan Freeman has been accused of sexual harassment by eight women.
His accusers, which include employees of his production company Revelations Entertainment, on-set production staff, and even reporters, claim that Freeman engaged in unwanted touching and made suggestive comments.
In one incident in 2015 during the filming of Going in Style, Freeman allegedly attempted to lift up the skirt of a female production assistant repeatedly and asked if she was wearing underwear.
Then, during his 79 birthday party, a former executive of Revelations Entertainment recounted that Freeman approached female employees and stood "maybe within an inch of their face and just look them up and down and not say anything, and then would move on to the next woman and he’d stand like within an inch of their face and look them up and down and not say anything, and it was really, really strange."
In another incident, reporter Chloe Melas said she was harassed by Freeman during a press interview for Going in Style. Melas, who was six months pregnant at the time, says that Freeman stared at her for long periods and made remarks including, "You are ripe" and "I wish I was there." According to CNN, cameras caught a portion of Freeman’s comments.
Freeman also commented on the appearance of Revelation’s co-founder Lori McCreary, during a conference attended by 400 people, saying "She wants to be thought of as serious, but you can’t get away from the short dresses."
Following the CNN report, Morgan Freeman has issued an apology, according to Variety.
"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."
For the full story, head on over to CNN.
If you have been sexually assaulted, there are resources to help you. Donate to Rape Crisis here (UK) or RAINN here (U.S.).