Interview with Prince Harry and Meghan triggers debate on freedom of expression in UK
Renowned journalist Piers Morgan resigned from his job as co-host of a major British television morning show following his criticism of Meghan Markle.
After criticizing the statements of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Dukes of Sussex, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, British journalist Piers Morgan unexpectedly resigned from his job as a presenter on one of the UK's biggest morning TV shows.
Morgan, 55, had been a co-host on ITV's Good Morning Britain for five years before resigning Tuesday night, according to him, in defense of his free speech.
Morgan's ratings skyrocketed during the Brexit and pandemic era as he kept the government's feet on fire with tough interviews from him. In recent shows, he was particularly outspoken against Meghan Markle and in defense of the Royal Family. He was editor of one of the most widely circulated tabloids, the Daily Mirror, between 1995 and 2004.
Speaking to local media outside her home on Thursday morning, she said: “I don't believe almost anything that comes out of her [Meghan Markle's] mouth and I think the damage she has done to the British monarchy and the reigns at a time when Prince Philip is lying in the hospital is enormous and frankly despicable. "
“If I have to fall on my sword for expressing an honest opinion against Meghan Markle and that maudlin tirade that came out in that interview, so be it. I think it's fair to say, although people will think they canceled me, I think they will be a little disappointed when I am reborn, ”Morgan added.
In the couple's controversial interview, when asked by Oprah why they didn't want to make Archie, their son, a prince, Meghan revealed that, in the months leading up to his birth, there were conversations at the Palace about how dark his skin would be, what it would mean for the Palace and how it would not be awarded a royal title.
"There were concerns and conversations about how dark his skin could be when he is born," Meghan said to Oprah's surprise.
She added that she "no longer wanted to be alive" while she lived in the Palace. When Oprah asked if she was thinking about her suicide, she said, "Yes, this was very, very clear and very scary." Meghan mentioned that she sought help from the "institution," but she was refused.
Buckingham Palace issued a short statement in response that read: "The entire family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the past few years have been for Harry and Meghan."
“The problems raised, particularly the race, are worrisome. While some memories may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be discussed in private by the family. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be the very dear members of the family. "
On her UK show, after the interview aired, Morgan said that she "didn't believe a word" about the Duchess, prompting 41,000 complaints against her to be filed with the national regulator. media.
On Wednesday morning Morgan tweeted: “On Monday, I said I didn't believe Meghan Markle in her interview with Oprah. I had time to reflect on this opinion, and I still haven't. If you believe him, that's fine. Freedom of speech is a hill on which I am happy to die. Thanks for all the love and hate. I'm going to dedicate more time to my opinions ”.
The tweet was accompanied by a quote from Winston Churchill that said: "The idea of freedom of expression for some people is that they are free to say what they want, but if someone responds, it is an outrage."
The Press Association reported that Meghan had formally complained to ITV about Morgan's comments, but about her impact on mental health in general, rather than her views on his accusations of racism and lack of support on the part. of the Palace.
Earlier Tuesday, Morgan had walked off the set of his show during a heated debate with a colleague who accused him of “continuing to litter” Meghan.
On the same Tuesday, ITV issued a statement saying: “Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided that now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain. ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing more to add ”.
Publishers Society
The issue of freedom of expression also sparked controversy in the Society of Publishers. An organization of almost 400 members, which fights for media freedom.
Following the interview, the Society issued an opening statement: “The UK media is not intolerant and will not be swayed in its vital role in holding the rich and powerful to account following the attack on the press by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex ”.
Ian Murray, executive director of the Society of Publishers, added at the time: "It is not acceptable for the Duke and Duchess to make such claims without providing any supporting evidence."
The statement caused controversy within the media industry and among journalists of both white and minority ethnic backgrounds.
An open letter initially signed by 167 journalists of color said: "The widespread refusal to accept intolerance in the British press is ridiculous, hurts journalists of color and shows an institution and an industry in denial."
On Wednesday, the furor forced them to partially reverse their stance, and in a new statement, they said their initial statement “did not reflect what we all know: that there is a lot of work to be done in the media to improve diversity and inclusion. We will reflect on the reaction that our statement provoked and we will work to be part of the solution ”.
However, the damage was done. ITV news anchor Charlene White, who is black, has retired from hosting the National Press Awards, organized by the Society of Publishers.
In a statement, White told Murray: “Perhaps I had better look elsewhere for a host for your awards this year. Perhaps someone whose views coincide with yours: that the UK press is the only institution in the whole country that has a perfect track record on race. "
In a subsequent action, Murray said that he would renounce his role in society so that he could "rebuild his reputation."
Prince Harry had accused some British tabloids of being "racist" and "bigoted."
One step back
In January 2020, the royal couple officially retired from their high positions in the royal family and no longer wore their official titles, His Royal Highness (HRH), which are generally awarded to senior members of the House of Windsor.
The decision was the result of intense media scrutiny of the couple by British tabloids who were accused of intimidation and intrusion into their personal lives. Buckingham Palace is understood to have been disappointed with the decision and was not even consulted beforehand.
In September 2019, Meghan sued Associated Newspapers after its affiliates, the Mail on Sunday and Mail Online, published a private letter that Meghan had written to her estranged father and seeking damages for alleged misuse of private information, rights of author and infringement, as well as the breach of the Data Protection Law.
Last month, the Duchess of Sussex won a privacy case in higher court against the Mail on Sunday after a two-year legal battle.
