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Morgan Freeman was once romantically linked to his step-granddaughter

Morgan Freeman has apologised after eight women came forward accusing the actor of sexual harassment, but this is not the first time he has found himself at the centre of controversy.

Back in 2009, The National Enquirer alleged Freeman was in a romantic relationship with his step-granddaughter, E’Dena Hines.

Morgan Freeman pictured here in New York City in May 2018. Source: Getty
Morgan Freeman pictured here in New York City in May 2018. Source: Getty

Three years later, reports emerged that the pair planned to marry, which both Freeman and Hines vehemently denied.

“The recent reports of any pending marriage or romantic relationship of me to anyone are defamatory fabrications from the tabloid media designed to sell papers,” Freeman said denying the allegations in a statement in 2012.

Freeman with E’Dena Hines at the 2005 Golden Globe Awards. Source: Getty
Freeman with E’Dena Hines at the 2005 Golden Globe Awards. Source: Getty

Hines echoed her step-grandfather in her own statement saying, “These stories about me and my grandfather are not only untrue, they are also hurtful to me and my family.”

Allegations of a romantic relationship between the pair re-emerged during the murder trial for Hines.

She was stabbed to death in 2015, aged 33, by her boyfriend at the time, Lamar Davenport.

In the trial, Davenport’s defence lawyers alleged Hines was in a romantic relationship with her step-grandfather.

Since the latest allegations surrounding Freeman have come to light this week, a video has also resurfaced from a 2011 interview with the actor discussing his “secret to attracting women” also likening them to “horses in a pasture”.

In it, the Shawshank Redemption star stressed he had “permanent respect” for women whilst chatting to Piers Morgan on his now axed CNN show Piers Morgan Live.

“Don’t chase women, they’ll chase you,” Freeman told the presenter, adding that his strategy “works very well.”

“You meet a lady, you express to her how wonderful she looks, or how you respond to the way she looks and go on about your business,” Freeman said.

“You walk into a pasture and the horse sees you, he’s coming over to investigate,” Freeman said.

Other old footage has surfaced of Freeman awkwardly hitting on a female reporter.

The video above shows Chicago entertainment reporter Tyra Martin, who interviewed Freeman many times over a 10 year period, being repeatedly complimented by the actor while discussing his movie, Now You See Me.

“You’ve got magic written all over you child,” Freeman tells her.

Footage of Morgan Freeman hitting on a female reporter has resurfaced. Source: CNN
Footage of Morgan Freeman hitting on a female reporter has resurfaced. Source: CNN

The now 80-year-old also makes it clear that he’s single and “enjoying the bachelor life immensely.”

“I get to look at you and drool,” he adds.

Martin is said to have told CNN journalist Chloe Melas, that Freeman “always made sexually charged comments”, but that she was always “in on the joke”.

The woman in the video is an entertainment reporter Chicago’s WGN-TV, Tyra Martin, who interviewed Freeman many times over a 10 year period. Source: CNN
The woman in the video is an entertainment reporter Chicago’s WGN-TV, Tyra Martin, who interviewed Freeman many times over a 10 year period. Source: CNN

Freeman apologised following allegations of sexual harassment by eight women.

“Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy,” the award-winning actor told Yahoo Entertainment.

Morgan Freeman apologised following allegations of sexual harassment by eight women. Source: Getty
Morgan Freeman apologised following allegations of sexual harassment by eight women. Source: Getty

“I apologise to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected — that was never my intent.”

CNN ran a story on Thursday in which eight women accused the Driving Miss Daisy and Shawshank Redemption actor of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour, including “unwanted touching.”

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