Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman has apologized to a group of women who have made allegations against him, saying it was never his intention to make anyone feel uneasy.
A total of 16 women have accused the star of films including Se7en and The Shawshank Redemption of behaving inappropriately.
Eight of the women who spoke to CNN said they were victims of harassment or inappropriate behavior.
Freeman, 80, told Sky News in a statement: “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.”
Eight other women interviewed said they witnessed behavior they thought inappropriate.
One of the women who claimed she was a victim worked as a production assistant on the set of Going In Style, a bank heist comedy starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin.
She said what followed was months of harassment at the hands of Freeman, including unwanted touching and comments about her figure.
Among the allegations were claims he repeatedly attempted to lift her skirt.
CNN said the Oscar-winning actor was accused of repeatedly behaving in ways that made women feel uncomfortable on film sets.