Oscar winning actor Morgan Freeman has been accused of sexually harassing women. The investigations were initiated by a pregnant CNN journalist, who alleged that she was was verbally harassed by him during promotions of his film.
Sixteen people spoke to CNN about Morgan Freeman and 80 claimed that his behavior was inappropriate. Of these, eight women claimed that they were victims, and eight said that he had witnessed him behaving inappropriately.
As the investigation went on some of his co-workers praised him while other spoke against his inappropriate behaviour.
His production assistant on 2015’s Going in style claimed that Freeman tried to lift her skirt up several times and would rest his hand on her lower back. He would also comment on women’s clothing or bodies. After repeatedly harassing the production assistant co-star Alan Arkin asked Freeman to stop. None of the women reported his absurd behavior as they feared their jobs.
Freeman did not spare the journalists who were at his movie promotions, including CNN entertainment reporter Chloe Melas, co-star Michael Caine and Alan Arkin. Pregnant Melas described that he commented “You are ripe,” and “Boy, do I wish I was there”. His remarks were taped during the exchange.
In response Morgan stated, “Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I’m 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.”
