UK television host Piers Morgan quits show after refusing to apologise for Meghan Markle row

Piers Morgan reportedly quit his TV show after producers demanded he apologise for remarks about Meghan’s depression.

Piers Morgan shortly before storming off the set of Good Morning Britain.

British television host Piers Morgan reportedly quit his top rated morning show in the UK after he refused to apologise on air over a heated on-air row about remarks he made about Meghan Markle.

Morgan, 55-year-old host of ITV’s Good Morning Britain, stormed off the set after co-host Alex Beresford accused him of “trashing” Meghan over her and Prince Harry’s explosive revelations about the royal family. Morgan had told viewers he “didn’t believe a word” of the couple’s explosive claims, including that Meghan was depressed and suicidal.

The remarks brought more than 40,000 remarks and an investigation by Ofcom, the media watchdog.

Senior executives at ITV, concerned at the remarks and their impact on the broadcaster’s campaign for mental health, asked Morgan to apologise. But a source told The Sun:

“Piers was not going to back down.

“He was asked to make an apology but refused. He says he is entitled to his opinion and is always going to stand by it.

“When he refused to apologise, there was a stand-off. And ultimately it ended with him telling producers he would not host the show anymore.

“His contract was coming to an end this year anyway, but he said he wouldn’t do the job unless it was on his terms”.

Confirming his departure, ITV said: “Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain.

“ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add.”

Morgan’s response was to tweet a picture of a ticking clock.

pic.twitter.com/ek88GsVpIa

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 9, 2021

Morgan, a former friend of Meghan, had described the couple’s interview on CBS as “Two hours of disingenuous, horrible, one-sided, self-serving, delusional claptrap!” Morgan added: “I’m sorry, I don’t believe a word she said, Meghan Markle. I wouldn’t believe it if she read me a weather report.”

What I said on air today with regard to mental illness and suicide.
Cc @MindCharity 👇👇 pic.twitter.com/2tIDQLBeO2

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 9, 2021

On Monday (AEDT), Meghan told Winfrey when she was pregnant she had become so depressed she “didn’t want to live any more,” but her pleas for help to the”institution” had been rejected.

She also claimed a senior member of the royals had shown concerns over the colour of her baby’s skin, which Morgan also questioned, demanding she name the person she was accusing.

The two big questions from THAT interview:
1) Who was allegedly racist to Harry about his baby?
2) Who allegedly told Meghan she couldn't have any help when she told them she felt suicidal?
The Sussexes could prevent a lot of damaging rumour-mongering if they tell us. pic.twitter.com/SONT1BlflY

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 8, 2021

But it was the suggestion Morgan didn’t believe her claims about her mental health which drew fire from viewers and his co-hosts.

In an angry exchange with co-presenter Alex Beresford, Beresford noted that Morgan and Meghan used to be friends but she had cut off the talk show host, a former presenter at CNN.

Beresford said: “I understand that you don’t like Meghan Markle, you’ve made it so clear a number of times on this program, and I understand you’ve got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle and she cut you off. She’s entitled to cut you off if she wants to. Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? I don’t think she has but yet you continue to trash her …”

Morgan then stormed out of the studio, saying: “OK, I’m done with this, sorry, no, can’t do this.”

He later returned to the set to carry out an interview with Meghan’s father Thomas Markle but soon after that departed for good.

Early on Wednesday (AEDT) the Queen released a statement saying she was “saddened” at Harry and Meghan’s claims, and “concerned” about their allegations of racism within the royal family.

The statement, released by Buckingham Palace on the Queen’s behalf, suggested that the royals would dispute some of the claims, saying: “Some recollections may vary.” But it said the family would address the allegations in private.

The mental health charity Mind, said it was “concerned and disappointed” by Morgan’s remarks.

The charity said: “It’s vital that, when people reach out for support or share their experiences of ill mental health, they are treated with dignity, respect and empathy.”