TV presenter Meshel Laurie has slammed Morgan Freeman for his recent public apology to women he is alleged to have sexually harassed.
Speaking on Channel Ten’s The Project on Friday, Meshel said the 80-year-old actor sounded like he was using old-fashioned standards of behaviour as an excuse for his alleged predatory actions.
‘From reading what the women are saying, he sounds like someone my mum would have described when I was younger as a ‘dirty old man’,’ Meshel, 41, said.
‘A dirty old man’: Controversial TV presenter Meshel Laurie, 41, has slammed Morgan Freeman, 80, for his recent public apology to women he is alleged to have sexually harassed
‘When I was young, mum would say about some people: “Oh, he’s funny, he’s a bit of a dirty old man, but you know….”
When The Project co-host Lisa Wilkinson interjected, saying Meshel’s comments were ‘such old-school thinking’, Meshel agreed, saying, ‘his apology reeks of that [old-fashioned outlook] to me: “I would never intentionally, I’m sorry if I accidentally…”
‘He obviously thought he was just up for a flirt,’ Lisa, 58, said.
On set: Meshel with The Project co-host, Lisa Wilkinson (second from right)
Under fire: Veteran actor, Morgan Freeman, 80, recently made a public apology to women he is alleged to have sexually harassed
Earlier this week, Morgan issued the statement: ‘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.’
Outspoken comic Meshel also offered a surprisingly unique take on the issue of abortion on Friday’s episode of The Project.
‘I wish there was never another abortion ever in the entire world… I hate the fact there is abortion,’ Meshel said on The Project on Friday
Speaking in reference to Ireland’s referendum on abortion, Meshel said: ‘You know what I think gets lost in the abortion debate every time, is that nobody wants there to be abortion.’
She continued: ‘I wish there was never another abortion ever in the entire world… I hate the fact there is abortion.’
Meanwhile, finance company Visa is the latest organisation to distance itself from Morgan, after eight different women alleged sexual harassment and misconduct against the star.
On Thursday night, Visa said it had stopped its marketing campaign which features Freeman’s voice in light of the claims.
‘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,’ a spokesman said.
Fallout: Finance company Visa has distanced itself from Morgan after eight different women alleged sexual harassment and misconduct against the star