Morgan Freeman news: Actor speaks out after being accused of 'sexual harassment’

The 80-year-old has spoken out, after he was accused by a number of his former colleagues of making “inappropriate” comments and unwanted touching.

In a statement, released to Express.co.uk today, Morgan said: “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.”(sic)

According to CNN, a member of the production team working on the film Going In Style back in 2015 claimed the veteran actor rested his hand and rubbed her lower back.

The woman also claimed Morgan “kept trying to lift up my skirt and asking if I was wearing underwear”.

The assistant claimed the actor never successfully lifted up her skirt.

She continued: “Alan [Arkin] made a comment telling him to stop. Morgan got freaked out and didn't know what to say."

A second woman, a member of the production staff of the film Now You See Me back in 2012, also accused The Shawshank Redemption star of sexually harassing her and a female colleague.

The source alleged the producer made a number of comments about their bodies.

Speaking to CNN, she claimed: “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.

Another woman, who worked on a recent film of Morgan’s, spoke out about an alleged incident which was said to have occurred during the movie's wrap party.

She said: "He was looking at my breasts, and I told him, 'My eyes are up here.' Then we went to take a group photo and he pressed himself up against me. It was inappropriate."

CNN revealed that 16 people spoke out in relation to these claims during their investigation - of which eight have accused the actor of sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour.

The publication said the eight other people have claimed they witnessed the alleged behaviour - which is said to have occurred while on set, promoting films, and at his production company Revelations Entertainment.

The Hollywood actor and producer has starred in a number of hit movies over the years, including Bruce Almighty, Invictus, and The Dark Knight Trilogy.

Referring to the iconic SAG statuette, he said: “I wasn’t going to do this, but I’m going to tell you what’s wrong with this statue.

“It works from the back, but from the front, it’s gender specific. Maybe I started something.”

Express.co.uk contacted a representative for Alan Arkin asking for comment, who did not provide comment at this time.

According to CNN they put the allegations to representatives of Morgan Freeman but received no response.

CNN said it contacted dozens more people who worked for or with Freeman who praised him, saying they never witnessed any questionable behaviour or that he was a "consummate professional" on set and in the office.