Piers Morgan Quits 'Good Morning Britain' Following Meghan Markle Comments
The TV host sparked widespread condemnation when he suggested he didn't believe Markle's claims about feeling suicidal, with more than 41,000 people complaining to broadcaster regulator Ofcom.
Piers Morgan is leaving his Good Morning Britain breakfast news show on U.K. network ITV.
In a somewhat fast-paced turn of events, the news was announced just an hour after it was revealed that broadcasting regulator Ofcom was investigating the host following comments he made about Meghan Markle on Monday's episode. More than 41,000 people complained.
"Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain," ITV said in a short statement. "ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add."
Morgan faced widespread condemnation Monday after his one-man tirade against Prince Harry and Markle in a show that was almost entirely dedicated to their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey. His most contentious comments were those made in reaction to Markle's claims about her own mental health, disputing her story about feeling suicidal and turning to the palace for support, only to be turned down.
"Who did you go to? What did they say to you? I'm sorry, I don't believe a word she said, Meghan Markle," he said. "I wouldn't believe it if she read me a weather report."
On Monday, mental health charity Mind, which has teamed with ITV on a mental health initiative, said that it was "disappointed and concerned" about his comments and that it was in discussions with the broadcaster about them. In ITV's earnings call Tuesday morning, CEO Carolyn McCall confirmed that network execs were talking to Morgan about his conduct.
Earlier on Tuesday, Morgan stormed off the set of Good Morning Britain after being called out by the show's weatherman, Alex Beresford, for his "diabolical" dismissal of mental health and suicide.
Beresford brought up Morgan's previous relationship with Markle, suggesting that he was somewhat obsessed with the royal, which led to him dramatically leaving the set. "I understand you don’t like Meghan Markle, you’ve made it so clear a number of times on this program, a number of times," Beresford said.
Morgan returned to the studio for a segment featuring Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle.
