British television personality Piers Morgan is leaving “Good Morning Britain” after comments about Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, announced Tuesday by ITV. Morgan has been a constant critic of the couple, attracting reaction from viewers and an investigation by a media watchdog.
“After discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan decided that now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain,” the broadcaster said in a statement. “ITV accepted this decision and has nothing more to add.”
Prince Harry and Meghan shocked millions on Sunday in an interview with Oprah, revealing that the relentless pressure from British tabloids and the royal family has led Meghan to thinking about suicide. She also said there were discussions about “how dark” the baby’s skin color would be. The royal family called the charges “relative, “but said the issues would be addressed by the family in particular.
Morgan, however, appeared on “Good Morning Britain” on Monday, calling Meghan’s comments false. “I’m sorry, I don’t believe a word she says,” he said. “I wouldn’t believe it if she read me a weather report.”
Viewers and Morgan’s co-hosts themselves condemned his actions. While Morgan clarified his comments the next morning, saying he believes suicide and mental health are important issues to be addressed by professionals, he later left the studio after his fellow host Alex Beresford called his treatment Meghan “diabolical”.
“I understand that you don’t like Meghan Markle,” said Beresford. “You made it so clear several times on this show. Several times. And I understand that you have a personal relationship with Meghan Markle or you had one and she interrupted him. She has the right to interrupt you if she wants to. She said something about you since you cut it? I don’t think she said it, but you still criticize her. ”
Morgan then left the set for the show.
Later on Tuesday, Morgan tweeted about his departure from the program. “Thinking of my late and great manager John Ferriter tonight,” he wrote. “He would have told me to do the exact same thing. @GMB #TrustYourGut”
On Tuesday, Britain’s Communications Office announced that it would be investigating Morgan’s comments under the “damage and offense rules” after receiving more than 40,000 official complaints about his comments.