Accused Freeman dropped by firms
MORGAN Freeman has been dropped from several big-money advertising deals and may lose lifetime achievement awards after being accused of sexual harassment by eight women.
The Oscar winner, 80, has had a long, lucrative relationship with Visa, appearing in many of the credit card firm’s commercials as well as doing voiceover work.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: “We are aware of the allegations that have been made against Mr Freeman.
“At this point, Visa will be suspending our marketing in which the actor is featured.”
It came after Vancouverbased transit system TransLink also pulled out of a deal linked to Visa.
The transit company said: “In light of information we’ve learned through news stories of serious allegations against actor Morgan Freeman, TransLink has decided to pause his voice announcements as part of a Visa ad campaign on the transit system.”
Screen Actors Guild, which gave him their highest honour in January, are reviewing the situation.
They said: “Any accused person has the right to due process, but it is our starting point to believe the courageous voices who come forward to report incidents of harassment.”
After the accusations became public, Freeman said: “I apologise to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected, that was never my intent.
“Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy.