Meghan Markle filed a formal complaint to ITV against former Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan following his dismissal of her mental health struggles shared in an interview with Oprah Winfrey on Sunday (March 7). In the complaint, the Duchess of Sussex expressed concern for the impact Morgan’s words would have on other people struggling with mental health, and reportedly didn’t focus on the personal attacks Morgan lodged against her.
On Monday’s show (March 8), the now ex-lead anchor said he didn’t “believe a word” of Meghan’s story, including that she contemplated suicide while a member of the royal family.
According to a report by CNN, Ofcom, UK’s media regulator, received more than 41,000 complaints about that episode of the show, prompting an investigation.
On Tuesday (March 9), Morgan stormed off the set of Good Morning Britain after his co-host Alex Beresford confronted him about his comments and relentless mentioning of Meghan. Later that day, it was announced that Morgan would be leaving the show for good.
“”Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain,” ITV said in a statement. “ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add.”
On Wednesday (March 10), Morgan took to Twitter to stand by his original comments, doubling down on the dismissal of Meghan’s claims of struggling with mental health and the racism she and her family endured while members of the royal family.
“I’ve had time to reflect on this opinion,” Morgan wrote. “And I still don’t [believe Meghan].”
In the tweet, Morgan cited “freedom of speech” and included a quote by Winston Churchill.
For resources, information, or support, anyone who needs to talk can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 no matter the time of day.
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