Morgan Freeman accused of sexual harassment by eight women

In a new exposé published by CNN, the 80-year-old actor is alleged to have lifted up a production assistant's skirt during filming of the movie Going In Style in 2015 and asked if she "was wearing underwear."

A senior member of production staff on the film Now You See Me – which was filmed in 2012 – also alleges that Freeman sexually harassed her, constantly commenting on her body as well as other female production staff.

Another six women claim to have been victims of sexual harassment while eight said they witnessed such behaviour.

Four entertainment industry professionals who worked with Freeman over a 10-year period say he repeatedly behaved in a way that made women feel uncomfortable.

Away from movie sets, three showbiz reporters allege Freeman made inappropriate comments during press junkets.

CNN entertainment reporter Chloe Melas claims Freeman said to her: "You are ripe."

A member of staff at his company Revelations Entertainment said Freeman would "come over to my desk to say hi and he'd just stand there and stare at me. He would stare at my breasts."

The Academy Award-winning actor has issued an apology following the allegations.

Freeman told Sky News: "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 apologise to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected - that was never my intent."