Morgan Freeman has responded to allegations of sexual misconduct.
As reported by Susie Moore earlier today, the beloved actor has been accused by eight women of impropriety on sets and promotional tours over a span of decades.
One alleged victim claims Freeman harassed her in the summer of 2015 while filming the comedy Going in Style. According to the production assistant, he repeatedly trouched her inappropriately on her back and made frequent comments about her looks. Furthermore, she says, he continuously attempted to lift her skirt, perpetually asking if she was wearing underwear.
The woman told CNN Freeman’s fellow actor, Alan Arkin, “made a comment telling him to stop.”
“Morgan got freaked out and didn’t know what to say,” she said.
In a statement, the man who played God in 2003’s Bruce Almighty apologized:
“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.”
Additionally, a senior production member of 2012’s Now You See Me offered this:
“He did comment on our bodies. … We knew that if he was coming by…not to wear any top that would show our breasts, not to wear anything that would show our bottoms, meaning not wearing clothes that [were] fitted.”
In all, sixteen people have corroborated Freeman’s tendencies.
Is there any doubt that stories such as this could be told about virtually every man in Hollywood? Until the news cycle discards these tales of rich and famous men taking full advantage of their privilege, surely many a male celebrity will be shaking in his boots, wondering if he’s next in the lottery of worldwide exposure.
Are you sick of these reports? Is “Men Are Notoriously Sexually Motivated and/or Sleazy” a tired story? Or do you hope all continues to be brought to light?
For more on sexual harassment and Hollywood, check out my article on Ashley Judd suing Harvey Weinstein.
And as always, for goodness sake, please follow Alex Parker on Twitter.
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