Morgan Freeman Accused Of Inappropriate Behavior By 8 Women: CNN

HOLLYWOOD, CA — At least eight women have accused Morgan Freeman of inappropriate behavior or harassment, according to an exclusive CNN investigation. The claims include sexual or otherwise inappropriate remarks by the actor and a toxic work environment at his production company Revelations Entertainment.

One of the CNN reporters whose byline appears on the story described her own experience with Freeman in the story. According to the report, Chloe Melas was subjected to inappropriate behavior when she interviewed Freeman at a press junket for the movie, "Going in Style." Melas, who was six months pregnant when she interviewed him, says Freeman looked her up and down and said "I wish I was there," and also told her, "you are ripe," CNN reported. Melas reported the incident through the proper channels and she did not cover the movie.

Melas began the investigation after her experience with Freeman.

According to the report, at least two other entertainment reporters who spoke to CNN said Freeman made inappropriate remarks to them during press junkets.

One production assistant who spoke to the news channel alleged that Freeman would rest his hand on her lower back or rub her lower back. She also told CNN that in one incident he kept trying to lift up her skirt and asked if she was wearing underwear.

CNN spoke to a total of 16 people as part of their investigation, eight who said they witnessed Freeman's alleged misconduct and eight who said they were victims. Seven people who spoke to CNN alleged harassment and inappropriate behavior by Freeman at the company.

Freeman has issued the following statement in response to the allegations:

Read the full investigation at CNN.

Photo: Morgan Freeman attends the 2018 SeriousFun Children's Network Gala at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 21, 2018 in New York City. Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SeriousFun/Getty Images Entertainment