Morgan Freeman apologises to anyone who felt 'uncomfortable or disrespected' after allegations of sexual harassment

Morgan Freeman has apologised to anyone who has felt "uncomfortable or disrespected" by his behaviour after sexual assault allegations were made against him.

The actor was accused of repeatedly behaving in ways that made women uncomfortable on film sets and at his production company Revelations Entertainment, in an investigation by CNN.

In one instance a production assistant on the film Going In Style alleged he had repeatedly tried to lift her skirt up on set.

The 80-year-old said in a statement on Thursday: "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 apologise to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected - that was never my intent."

The news outlet spoke to 16 people who described a pattern of behaviour, including a production assistant on the film Going In Style who alleged he repeatedly attempted to lift her skirt.

CNN said they had spoken to three entertainment reporters who said Freeman made inappropriate remarks during interviews including CNN reporter Chloe Melas, who was pregnant at the time and co-wrote the investigation.

She alleged he shook her hand and repeatedly looked her up and down and said "I wish I was there" and "You are ripe" less than a year ago.

Mr Freeman won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2005 for his role in Million Dollar Baby.