LOS ANGELES - Actor Morgan Freeman's lawyer demanded Wednesday that CNN retract a story accusing the 80-year-old movie star of multiple cases of sexual harassment.

"We presented CNN with objective evidence, including videotapes and on-the-record denials by the claimed 'victims,' that the alleged incident that gave rise to the story never happened," lawyer Robert Schwartz said in a statement.

In a letter sent to the television news network, the lawyer accused CNN of "malicious intent, falsehoods, sleight-of-hand, an absence of editorial control and journalistic malpractice."

Schwartz said in a later statement that "we proved to CNN, beyond any doubt, that the whole story was built on fakery. The credibility of the entire CNN attack on Mr Freeman has now been undermined."

Sixteen people - eight of whom say they were victims - last week described to CNN a range of troubling behavior by Freeman on production sets or promotional tours.

The actor issued a quick apology after the report was published.

"Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy," Freeman said in a statement.

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

In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal in Hollywood, the veteran actor is already facing the fallout from the accusations, including the possible withdrawal of a Lifetime Achievement Award he was given earlier this year by the Screen Actors Guild. - AFP