233159

BC  

No more Freeman on transit

Planned Metro Vancouver transit announcements voiced by Morgan Freeman have been put on pause following allegations of sexual harassment against the actor. 

The announcements were scheduled to play on TransLink vehicles and included transit etiquette tips, and were part of a VISA ad campaign due to launch in June.

However, TransLink has now said the campaign is on hold, after CNN reported claims of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour from eight women.

"In light of information we’ve learned through news stories this morning of serious allegations against actor Morgan Freeman, TransLink has decided to pause his voice announcements," TransLink said in a statement. "We will be in touch with VISA to discuss further."

A further eight people have since come forward to corroborate the original eight's accusations, according to CNN.

Freeman issued a statement in response on Thursday morning, claiming to BuzzFeed that he is "Not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy."

"I apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected, that was never my intent," he added.

The announcement of Freeman's voiceovers came earlier this week, and was intended to inform riders of TransLink's new ability to accept contactless credit cards.

-With files from CTV Vancouver



More BC News