Amidst allegations that actor Morgan Freeman sexually harassed women, those who know him best are coming out in support. According to CNN, at least eight women have accused Freeman of inappropriate behavior. The women claim this happened on and off movie sets.
Freeman, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee and well known in Clarksdale, Mississippi released a statement through his publicist saying:
“Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would willingly offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy,” Freeman said in the statement. “I apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected — that was never my intent.”
Freeman is co-owner of Ground Zero in Clarksdale. Mississippi. People Local 24 spoke to say they don’t believe the allegations.
“He’s nothing but a good guy,” said business owner John Magnusson. “He’s just a nice guy. He’s exactly who you think he is. He’s not acting. He is that guy.”
Magnusson knows Morgan Freeman from working on a variety of projects in the Mississippi Delta.
“I actually worked with Morgan in the studio here in town,” he said. “We would work on all his VISA commercials and voice over stuff.”
Local 24 also spoke to Freeman’s longtime friend and business partner, Bill Luckett. Over the phone he said he supports his friend.
Support continued to pour in from Memphis, Tennessee. Author and motivational speaker Marie V. Pizano personally worked with Freeman.
“He is a great man,” she said. “Sexual harassment is about power and control. This man, Morgan Freeman is empowering me to stand taller in my stilettos.”
Pizano said she doesn’t believe the allegation against her friend are true. She said she never witnessed anything inappropriate when in his company.
Tuesday, May 29th, Local 24 learned an attorney for Freeman sent a letter to CNN, demanding a retraction for the story, claiming the victims in the story were either lying or said the incidents did not constitute harassment.
