PIERS Morgan resigned from his position at Good Morning Britain after backlash caused by his comments on Meghan Markle’s mental health.
It is believed that not only viewers, but also some GMB staff members complained about his remarks.
Follow our Piers Morgan live blog for the latest on his GMB exit…
Piers Morgan quit the show after saying he “didn’t believe a word” of Meghan‘s Oprah interview.
Multiple staff on GMB reportedly complained to managers about his comments before the presenter left the show on Tuesday, March 9.
Sources within editorial and production staff said that dozens of people felt uncomfortable after his intervention, with some making complaints, The Guardian reports.
It is not clear who complained, but an insider said: “Everyone is used to Piers saying things like this, but Meghan had literally said that the media wasn’t treating her fairly because of who she is, and he was just doing it again.”
Another person told the newspaper that management’s attitude changed after the co-host walked off set when he was confronted by weather presenter Alex Beresford – who accused him of holding a grudge against Meghan and using his platform to “trash talk” her.
They said: “They felt that they had to be seen on the ‘morally right side of the argument’.
“Piers wouldn’t back down and had to go.”
An Ofcom spokesperson said on March 9: “We have launched an investigation into Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain under our harm and offence rules.”
Less than an hour later, ITV announced Piers Morgan won’t be returning to the show.
ITV said in a statement: “Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain.
“ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add.”
Over 41,000 viewers complained to regulator Ofcom about Piers Morgan’s coverage of Meghan Markle.
The Duchess of Sussex’s representatives are also understood to have complained on her behalf to Ofcom.
Social media users criticised Piers Morgan and noted how his comments were in contrast with ITV’s mental health campaign, Britain Get Talking, which is supported by charities such as Young Minds and Mind.
A petition was launched to get him axed from the show.
March 2021 – Piers Morgan’s comments about Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview received the most Ofcom complaints in a decade. More than 41,000 viewers complained to the media watchdog.
November 2020 – Ofcom received complaints after he called for Health Secretary Matt Hancock to resign due to the UK’s coronavirus death toll.
June 2020 – Hundreds of people complained to Ofcom after Piers Morgan commented on Boris Johnson’s hair. He compared the Prime Minister to Worzel Gummidge during a rant.
April 2020 – Piers was hit with nearly 3,000 Ofcom complaints after an interview with care minister Helen Whately. He was accused of bullying.
January 2020 – The TV host was accused of racism for comments relating to a Chinese dairy advert. The GMB episode received more than 1,600 Ofcom complaints.
September 2019 – His comments on the London Aquarium raising a gender neutral penguin attracted 950 Ofcom complaints.
April 2015 – The presenter was criticised for laughing after a guest used the F-word live on air. No action was taken, but co-host Susanna Reid was forced to issue an apology.
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
