Morgan Freeman is apologizing to anyone who may have felt ``uncomfortable or disrespected'' by his behaviour.
His remarks come after CNN reported that multiple women have accused the A-list actor of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour on movie sets and in other professional settings.
The CNN report includes one woman who says the actor repeatedly tried to lift up her skirt, and asked if she was wearing underwear. Several women also say he made frequent comments about their bodies. CNN spoke to 16 people about Freeman. Eight said they had experienced harassment or inappropriate behaviour, and another eight said they witnessed such conduct.
Freeman issued a statement through his publicist saying that he never intended to make anyone feel uneasy, and apologizes to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected.
Meantime, in response to CNN's report, Metro Vancouver's transit authority is pressing pause on a promotional campaign that features Freeman.
TransLink said in a statement Thursday that it has decided to halt public announcements voiced by Freeman that had been set to play in the transit system as part of a Visa Canada advertising campaign.
``In light of information we've learned this morning of allegations regarding actor Morgan Freeman, TransLink has decided to pause his voice announcements,'' the statement said.
``We will be reaching out to Visa to discuss further.''
The actor's distinctive voice was to be broadcast for a limited time at certain SkyTrain stations and bus routes in Vancouver to encourage commuters to tap their Visa cards as part of TransLink's recently launched ``contactless'' payment system, which accepts credit cards and mobile wallets.
Visa Canada said in a statement Thursday that it is ``aware of the allegations that have been made'' against Freeman.
``At this point, Visa will be suspending our marketing in which the actors is featured,'' spokeswoman Jessica Culp said in an email.
- With files from the Canadian Press