Eight women accuse Morgan Freeman of inappropriate behavior

UPDATE: Freeman has responded to the allegations. Read his statement below.

Actor Morgan Freeman has been accused of sexually inappropriate behavior by eight women, CNN reports.

CNN noted they interviewed 16 people about allegations against Freeman, some of whom claimed the actor harassed them, and others who said they witnessed inappropriate behavior. Freeman's spokesperson did not respond to CNN's request for comment.

An assistant who worked on the film Going In Style said Freeman "kept trying to lift up my skirt and asking if I was wearing underwear." He allegedly tried this repeatedly until costar Alan Arkin said something. "Morgan got freaked out and didn't know what to say," the former assistant said.

Another assistant said Freeman would comment on the bodies of women on set and that they would be careful not to wear fitted clothing around him lest he say something inappropriate. Reporters who interviewed Freeman at press events also experienced similar behavior.

At least one incident reported was allegedly witnessed by Lori McCreary, Freeman's co-founder at Revelations Entertainment. McCreary's spokesperson did not comment either.

Multiple women said they never spoke publicly about Freeman's alleged behavior before because they were afraid of losing their jobs. In the interview process, CNN learned that Freeman's alleged conduct was something of an open secret, with multiple sources naming him before CNN did once the question of inappropriate behavior was raised.

Freeman has since issued a statement of 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 is the latest man in Hollywood to be accused of sexual harassment or misconduct, and certainly one of the most high-profile to date.

Read the full CNN story here.

This story is developing. This article has been updated to include a statement from Freeman.