KARACHI: Morgan Freeman has become the latest Hollywood celebrity to donate to help re-elect Barack Obama, giving $1 million to a campaign group backing the US president, his spokesman said Thursday.

According to Politico, the star of the latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises”, made the huge donation to help fund Obama’s re-election campaign later this year.

The donation comes after the actor made waves by suggesting that Obama is not America’s first black president. The actor, who played the US president in the disaster flick "Deep Impact”, noted that Obama’s mother was both American and white as he was criticising the so-called Birther movement for its suspicions about his citizenship.

In a statement, Freeman explained why he decided to support Priorities USA Action and the President.

“President Obama has done a remarkable job in historically difficult circumstances,” he wrote.

“He ended combat operations in Iraq, put in place sensible reforms of Wall Street, saved the auto industry and protected the health care of every American. He has led our nation to be more tolerant and placed impressive, accomplished women on the Supreme Court,” Freeman wrote further.

He added that he is “proud to lend my voice, and support to those who defend him. Priorities USA Action is doing a great job of protecting the values I believe in. I am happy to help them and I hope others will join me.”

Priorities senior advisor Paul Begala thanked the “national treasure” for his donation. He said, “The group is honoured that he has lent his powerful voice to our cause.”

Freeman won an Oscar for “Million Dollar Baby” and stars in The Dark Knight Rises, which hits theatres Friday.