(Photo by Dan MacMedan/Getty Images)
Despite apologizing to “anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected” following several accusations of sexual harassment Thursday, Morgan Freeman is losing out on deals with corporations.
The 80-year-old actor was accused by 16 women of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct with on-set personnel and journalists in a CNN report published May 24. That same day, several companies announced they’d be cutting ties with the Oscar winner.
Visa, which has a long relationship with Freeman, has pulled marketing featuring him. Plus, the star’s union, SAG-AFTRA, is reviewing the situation too.
“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,” read a statement from the financial services company obtained by Deadline.
Additionally, TransLink, a transit system based in Vancouver, has also separated itself from the 80-year-old. Like Visa, TransitLink has also been using Freeman’s voice in advertisements for a Visa-partnered promotion.
“In light of the information we’ve learned through news stories this morning 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,” it said.
And it’s not just sponsorship deals Freeman should be worried about. His union announced it is looking into the situation since the actor was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award in January.
“These are compelling and devastating allegations which are absolutely contrary to all the steps that we are taking to [ensure] a safe work environment for the professionals in this industry,” it read. “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.
“Given Mr. Freeman recently received one of our union’s most prestigious honors recognizing his body of work, we are therefore reviewing what corrective actions may be warranted at this time.”
