We need a new God, say fans of Freeman

Morgan Freeman has been a social media trend several times, mostly over false rumours about his death, but on Thursday, he managed to shock everyone, after CNN reported that eight women had accused the Oscarwinning actor of inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment. Social networks reverberated with shock, disgust, disbelief, and everything in between.

“Morgan Freeman though. The man with the perfect voice. IS NOTHING SACRED!?” wrote one heartbroken Twitter user, Lizzie Cernik.

The CNN report includes one woman who says that the actor repeatedly tried to lift up her skirt, and asked if she was wearing underwear. Several women also say that he made frequent comments about their bodies. “Good morning. Morgan Freeman was accused of sexual harassment. We need a new God,” wrote one user, Jackie, clearly devastated.

Freeman, 80, has been a part of Hollywood classics such as The Shawshank Redemption (1994) and Amistad (1997); won an Oscar for Million Dollar Baby (2004); and has acted in several Batman films as the tech genius Lucius Fox. He played God in Bruce Almighty (2003), and to many of his fans, he is God — of Hollywood cinema. Some fans have even tried to defend the veteran actor, and said that he was accused because of his race.

“Y’All be tripping over Morgan Freeman. They only accusing him because he is a black American MAN!!” (sic) wrote Jonathan Brown.

Meanwhile, brands and shows were quick to distance themselves from the actor. VISA announced that it was pulling all advertisements featuring Freeman. The Screen Actors Guild is considering if any action is necessary regarding Freeman, who got the prestigious SAG Lifetime Achievement Award in January.

PHOTO: CARLO ALLEGRI/REUTERS Actor Morgan Freeman has been accused of sexual misconduct