Freeman ‘sorry’ for sexual harassment
OCTOGENARIAN Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman apologised Thursday after a report of multiple sexual harassment accusations, making the actor the latest high-profile figure to face allegations of misconduct in the #MeToo era.
Sixteen people – eight of whom say they were victims – described to CNN a range of troubling behaviour by Freeman on production sets or promotional tours.
The downfall of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein last October triggered a US reckoning over sexual harassment and abuse that has toppled a litany of powerful men across a variety of sectors including entertainment, politics and media.
The actor, who turns 81 next week, issued a quick apology after the news network published its report.
“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.
“I apologise to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected – that was never my intent.”
One of the most bankable, respected actors in the business, Morgan was honoured with a lifetime achievement award in January that the Screen Actors Guild is now considering withdrawing, the organisation told reporters.
A spokeswoman for the guild acknowledged Freeman’s right to due process but described the allegations as “compelling and devastating”, and said its starting point was to believe the “courageous” women who had complained.
“Given Mr Freeman recently received one of our union’s most prestigious honours recognising his body of work, we are therefore reviewing what corrective actions may be warranted at this time,” she said.
CNN quoted a young production assistant who said Freeman harassed her over a period of months in the summer of 2015 while she was working on his bank heist comedy Going in Style.
She accused Freeman of touching her repeatedly, resting his hand on her lower back or rubbing it without permission, and frequently making comments about her appearance.
Freeman won the best supporting actor Oscar in 2005 for boxing drama Million Dollar Baby and was nominated four other times for Academy Awards.
His other major films include The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en, and Driving Miss Daisy.