Screen Actors Guild reconsiders Morgan Freeman's Life Achievement Award following sexual harassment claims

'We are reviewing what corrective actions may be warranted'

Freeman at the SAG awards (AFP/Getty Images)

American labour union SAG-AFTRA are considering rescinding Morgan Freeman’s lifetime achievement award following multiple accusations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour against the actor.

The accusations against the Oscar-winning actor were reported by CNN, who spoke to 16 women about Freeman’s behaviour on film sets, at press junkets, and in the office of his production company Revelations Entertainment. The report sees one woman claim that Freeman attempted to lift her skirt multiple times.

SAG-AFTRA – composed of the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists – awarded Freeman with their lifetime achievement award this past January.

“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,” a spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter.

“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.

“Given Mr. Freeman recently received one of our union’s most prestigious honours recognising his body of work, we are therefore reviewing what corrective actions may be warranted at this time.”

Freeman has denied the allegations, releasing a statement reading: “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 apologise to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected – that was never my intent.”

The 80-year-old is said to have made multiple comments about women’s clothing or their bodies in front of multiple witnesses and on camera.

One accuser was CNN reporter Chloe Melas, who co-wrote the investigation and was pregnant when she met Freeman. She alleges the actor shook her hand and said “I wish I was there” and “You are ripe”.

The report comes amidst a wave of accusations against some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and producers, including Kevin Spacey, Harvey Weinstein, Louis CK, and many more.