CNN is standing by its report about sexual misconduct allegations made against actor Morgan Freeman. Freeman, 80, threatened to sue the liberal news network after the cable news channel aired its report on May 24.
In a 10-page letter obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Morgan’s lawyer demanded CNN retract the report and apologize to 2 “victims” who say CNN misquoted them.
“At a minimum, CNN immediately needs to issue a retraction and apologize to Mr. Freeman through the same channels, and with the same level of attention, that it used to unjustly attack him on May 24,” wrote attorney Robert M. Schwartz.
“CNN also needs to retract the portions of the story that concern Lori McCreary and apologize to her for defaming and injuring her.”
But CNN president Jeff Zucker said the network stands by its reporting. Zucker called Freeman’s demands “disappointing” in a statement provided to The Daily Caller News Foundation Tuesday.
“The unfounded accusations made by Mr. Freeman’s lawyer are disappointing and are difficult to reconcile with Mr. Freeman’s own public statements in the aftermath of the story. CNN stands by its reporting and will respond forcefully to any attempt by Mr. Freeman or his representatives to intimidate us from covering this important public issue.”
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