At least eight women have accused actor Morgan Freeman of inappropriate behavior, according to a report from CNN. The women said the behavior happened on and off movie sets.
Freeman is an Academy Award-winning actor, but he's also a business owner in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Two blocks around the corner from Ground Zero, the blues club Morgan Freeman owns, WHBQ-TV met with Celia Bobo. Bobo and Morgan Freeman have been friends for two decades, and she said she does not believe the accusations.
"I find it hard to believe. I mean, I have known Morgan for many years," Bobo said. "Morgan has been nothing but a southern gentleman in my presence and the presence of my three daughters," she said
A number of Freeman's accusers said he "repeatedly (behaved) in ways that made women feel uncomfortable at work. Two even said they were subjected to unwanted touching, according to the CNN report.
Bobo told WHBQ she believes Morgan Freeman might actually be the victim in this case.
"With the current situation of the sexual harassment, I think it has become easier for a lot of people to say they have been sexually abused or harassed," Bobo said.
She said she believes the women who are accusing Morgan Freeman of misconduct are doing it to "show out."
"He is a great guy, and I have been around him in many different circumstances."
>> Related: Morgan Freeman apologizes after 8 women accuse him of inappropriate behavior
In a statement released Thursday, Morgan Freeman apologized.
"Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would willingly offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy," Freeman said in the statement. "I apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected -- that was never my intent."
Credit: Emma McIntyre
Credit: Emma McIntyre
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