Freeman loses big-money ad deals in wake of allegations
MORGAN Freeman has been dropped from several 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 relationship with Visa, having appeared in many of its adverts.
But a spokeswoman for the credit card 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 Vancouver-based transit system TransLink also pulled out of a voiceover deal with him, linked to Visa, “in light of... serious allegations” against him.
The Screen Actors Guild, which awarded him with its highest honour in January, is now reviewing the situation. It 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.”
Freeman said after the allegations: “I apologise to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected, that was never my intent.” US news channel CNN said it had spoken to three entertainment reporters who said Freeman made inappropriate remarks during interviews, including CNN reporter Chloe Melas, who was pregnant at the time.