Morgan Freeman apologises amidst sexual harassment claims

In the wake of sexual harassment allegations leveled against him, US actor Morgan  Freeman has issued an apology for making anyone feel "disrespected or uncomfortable". 

The Oscar-winning actor found himself making headlines globally on Thursday night after CNN reported that 16 women had spoken to them about the alleged harassment. 

Eight out of the 16 women claimed to have been victims, while the other eight claimed to have witnessed the harassment. 

Shortly after the claims sent shockwaves through the industry, Freeman issued an apology. 

"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," Freeman said in a statement to international publications. 

Speaking to CNN, one of the women, a young production assistant accused Freeman of harassing her for months in 2015 when she worked on his comedy Going In Style. 

She alleged that Freeman repeatedly touched her and frequently tried to lift up her skirt. 

-Additional reporting by AFP