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U.S. NEWS Friday 25 May 2018

Morgan Freeman apologizes in wake of harassment accusations

By JOCELYN NOVECK "Driving Miss Daisy" and "The port includes the account their bodies, or would stare The CNN report also cited
AP National Writer Shawshank Redemption," of a production assistant on at them in ways that made accounts by three enter-
Oscar-winning actor Mor- and is renowned for his pro- the 2017 heist film "Going In them feel uncomfortable. tainment reporters of in-
gan Freeman apologized lific voiceover work. Style," who detailed an in- CNN spoke to 16 people appropriate remarks they
on Thursday to anyone who Earlier this year, he was hon- cident in which the actor about Freeman; eight said allege Freeman made at
may have felt "uncomfort- ored by SAG-AFTRA with repeatedly tried to lift up they had experienced ha- press junkets, including the
able or disrespected" by a lifetime achievement her skirt, and asked if she rassment or inappropriate report's co-author, Chloe
his behavior, after CNN re- award. In a statement to was wearing underwear. behavior, and eight said Melas, who describes Free-
ported that multiple wom- The Associated Press, the She alleged that Freeman they had witnessed such man shaking her hand, "not
en have accused the A-list organization, which rep- subjected her to unwanted conduct. Seven of them letting go while repeatedly
actor of sexual harassment resents actors, journalists touching and comments described harassment or looking her up and down
and inappropriate behav- and others, called the al- on a near-daily basis on inappropriate behavior at and saying more than
ior on movie sets and in legations "compelling and the film. Several women Revelations Entertainment, once a variation of, 'I wish I
other professional settings. devastating" and contrary alleged that he made fre- a company he co-founded was there'" — and also "You
"Anyone who knows me or to its attempts to make sure quent comments about with Lori McCreary. are ripe."q

In this May 22, 2018 file photo, actor Morgan Freeman attends
the 2018 PEN Literary Gala in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/
Invision/AP, File)

has worked with me knows working environments are
I am not someone who safe in the industry.
would intentionally offend "Any accused person has
or knowingly make any- the right to due process,
one feel uneasy," the actor, but it is our starting point
now 80, said in a statement to believe the courageous
sent to The Associated voices who come forward
Press by his publicist, Stan to report incidents of ha-
Rosenfield. "I apologize to rassment," the statement
anyone who felt uncom- read. "Given Mr. Freeman
fortable or disrespected — recently received one of
that was never my intent." our union's most prestigious
Freeman won the 2005 Os- honors recognizing his body
car for best supporting ac- of work, we are therefore
tor for "Million Dollar Baby." reviewing what corrective
He was nominated four actions may be warranted
other times, including for at this time." The CNN re-