Morgan Freeman scolds media over ‘granddaughter’ reports

Morgan Freeman not happy with the media over 'granddaughter' gossip. Photo pubic domain.

Morgan Freeman has seen a resurgence of a rumor he was likely hoping would never make it’s way back into mainstream media gossip fodder files again. With reports surfacing once again that Freeman was involved in a romantic relationship with his step-granddaugher, E’Dena Hines, 29, he felt compelled to set the record straight.

Back in 2009, the Enquirer broke the unconfirmed story about Freeman, 74,  dating his granddaughter and suggested that was the reason for his pending divorce from his former wife, Myrna Colley-Lee. E’Dena and Freeman have been photographed frequently, arm and arm, at celebrity functions and red carpet events.

Freeman says he didn’t respond at first because he didn’t want to “dignify these stories by commenting”. But since the rumors have taken on a new life, Freeman wanted to correct the record once and for all. In a public statement released by his agent yesterday, Freeman states:

“The recent reports of any pending marriage or romantic relationship of me to anyone are defamatory fabrications from the tabloid media designed to sell papers. What is even more alarming is that these fabrications are now being picked up by the legitimate press as well.”

According to TMZ, Hines has also responded, saying, “These stories about me and my grandfather are not only untrue, they are also hurtful to me and my family.”

Hines is the granddaughter of Morgan’s first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. The couple divorced in 1979. Hines is not related to Freeman other than through a marriage which ended before she was even born. Apparently Freeman adopted E’Dena’s mother, Deena, and helped raise E’Dena with his former wife, Myrna.