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Performers union reconsiders Morgan Freeman’s lifetime achievement award

The Oscar-winning actor is facing allegations of sexual harassment.

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A performers union is reconsidering the lifetime achievement award it gave to Morgan Freeman in the wake of sexual harassment allegations against the actor (Joel Ryan/PA)

A performers union is reconsidering the lifetime achievement award it gave to Morgan Freeman, in the wake of sexual harassment allegations against the actor.

Freeman, 80, apologised on Thursday after he was accused of repeatedly behaving in ways that made women feel uncomfortable on film sets and at his production company Revelations Entertainment.

He said sorry to “anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected”.

Morgan Freeman is facing allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour (Yui Mok/PA)
Morgan Freeman is facing allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour (Yui Mok/PA)

In a statement the union said: “These are compelling and devastating allegations which are absolutely contrary to all the steps that we are taking to (ensure) a safe work environment for the professionals in this industry.

“Any accused person has the right to due process, but it is our starting point to believe the courageous voices who come forward to report incidents of harassment.”

A performers union is reconsidering the lifetime achievement award it gave to Morgan Freeman (Yui Mok/PA)
A performers union is reconsidering the lifetime achievement award it gave to Morgan Freeman (Yui Mok/PA)

Allegations of sexual misconduct against Freeman, who has starred in films including The Shawshank Redemption, Seven and The Dark Knight, surfaced on Thursday.

CNN spoke to 16 people who described a pattern of behaviour, including a production assistant on the film Going In Style, who alleged he repeatedly attempted to lift her skirt.

“I apologise to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected – that was never my intent.”

CNN said they had spoken to three entertainment reporters who said Freeman made inappropriate remarks during interviews, including CNN reporter Chloe Melas, who was pregnant at the time and co-wrote the investigation.

She alleged he shook her hand and repeatedly looked her up and down and said “I wish I was there” and “You are ripe” less than a year ago.

Freeman founded Revelations Entertainment in 1996 with Lori McCreary, the current president of the Producers Guild Association who has championed the MeToo and Time’s Up movements.

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