RoyaltyIn March, British TV presenter Piers Morgan (56) came under fire after fierce criticism of Meghan Markle (40) and her much-discussed interview with Oprah Winfrey (67). It was raining complaints and Meghan and her husband Harry (36) even filed an official complaint, but Morgan has now been proved right.
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After a strong statement by British TV presenter Piers Morgan, no fewer than 41,000 complaints were received in 24 hours at Ofcom, the government organization that monitors what is broadcast on British television. Morgan and his colleague Susanna Reid discussed on the TV show ‘Good Morning Britain’ the interview Meghan Markle and Prince Harry gave to Oprah Winfrey the day before. In it, the Duchess of Sussex said, among other things, that she was struggling with suicidal thoughts and received no help from ‘The Firm’. “Who did you go to?” Morgan sneered. “What did they tell you? Sorry, but I don’t believe a word she says. I wouldn’t believe it if she read me the weather forecast.” After an altercation with his colleagues, he stormed out of the studio, only to resign later. Harry and Meghan themselves filed a complaint against the presenter.
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Harmful and offensive
But Ofcom has now ruled that Piers Morgan did have a right to express his opinion on the interview. “Mr. Morgan’s comments were potentially harmful and offensive to viewers, and we recognize the strong public response to them,” the statement read. “But we also have to take full account of freedom of expression. Our rules allow broadcasters to voice controversial opinions as part of a legitimate public interest debate, and the strong criticism of other contributors to Mr Morgan provided important context for viewers. Still, we reminded ITV to talk more carefully about mental health and suicide in the future. ITV could consider providing alerts or emergency contact details so that viewers are properly protected.”
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happy
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s interview with Oprah Winfrey contained some serious allegations. This program was allowed to discuss and criticize those claims. It is clear to Ofcom that Mr Morgan had a right to say that he did not believe the Duke and Duchess’ claims and that he was allowed to make strong statements that disputed their story.”
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Piers Morgan was obviously very happy with the verdict and posted a message on Twitter. “I am delighted that Ofcom has confirmed my right not to believe the inflammatory claims the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made to Oprah Winfrey. Many of those statements have since turned out to be untrue. This is a victory for free speech and a defeat for ‘Princess Pinocchio’. Will I now get my job back?”
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If you are thinking of suicide and you need a conversation, you can contact the Suicide Line on the number 1813 or via www.zelfmoord1813.be
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ALSO READ:
Piers Morgan Quits ‘Good Morning Britain’ After Discussing Meghan Markle
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Meghan Markle has filed a complaint after comments from Piers Morgan
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