Disagreements over Meghan Markle’s interview prompted Morgan to walk out.
Earlier in the week, Oprah Winfrey’s interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, was released, wherein the two opened up about their hostile treatment by the British Royal Family. This interview has since prompted an outpouring of support for the Duke and Duchess and increased scrutiny of the Royal Family. However, one British television personality was of the belief that Markle’s story was exaggerated or falsified, and was unwilling to back down.
During Monday’s episode of ITV’s “Good Morning Britain,” host Piers Morgan expressed doubt about Markle’s story, specifically about her statement that the Royal Family’s treatment of her was causing her to have suicidal thoughts. This immediately drew a massive backlash from viewers, and especially from mental health organizations and advocates. The following day, Morgan was criticized for his statement on air by his co-host, Alex Beresford.
“I understand that you [Morgan] don’t like Meghan Markle, you’ve made it so clear a number of times on this program,” said Beresford. “And I understand that you’ve got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle, or had one and she cut you off,” he added.
“Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? I don’t think she has, but yet you continue to trash her,” Beresford said.
This prompted Morgan to get up from his seat and leave the set, saying “Okay, I’m done with this, sorry, no, sorry… see you later, sorry, can’t do this.”
Report: Meghan complained to British TV network about Piers Morgan's comments https://t.co/I7Y9u3co6L
— 16 WAPT News (@16WAPTNews) March 10, 2021
Shortly after his walkout, ITV announced that Morgan had resigned from his position. “Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain,” the network said. “ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add.”
Since then, Morgan has made posts to his personal Twitter reaffirming his disbelief in Markle’s story, saying that “Freedom of speech is a hill I’m happy to die on.”