The Piers Morgan–Meghan Markle Drama, Explained

March 09, 2021 | 05:35pm

Here's why the longtime host just left his job.

The Piers Morgan–Meghan Markle Drama, Explained

Piers Morgan just left his job after making some ill-received comments about Meghan Markle. If you’re wondering what happened, read on.

Who is Piers Morgan?

A tabloid writer/editor and TV personality since the days of Princess Diana, Morgan is an outspoken and sometimes controversial British commentator who’s previously been in the spotlight for criticizing young celebrity women like Emily Ratajkowski, Kim Kardashian, and Ariana Grande.

https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1065300013335556096

What did he say about Meghan Markle?

Morgan has been one of the hosts of Good Morning Britain since 2016 and has been covering Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s relationship since the beginning. Following the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, Morgan defended the royal family.

In reference to Markle’s story about being unable to access mental health treatment when she was having suicidal thoughts as a senior royal, Morgan said, “Who did you go to? What did they say to you? 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.”

On Monday, March 8, he also briefly walked off the set of his show during a heated exchange about the couple, though he returned and continued the conversation.

The next day, he said on air, “[It was] not for me to question if she felt suicidal.” He clarified that he didn't intend to express doubt over the reality of her feelings, but that he was skeptical of her report about the palace's reported reaction to them: “My real concern was a disbelief, frankly…that she went to a senior member of the royal household and told them she was suicidal and was told she could not have any help because it would be a bad look for the family.”

Still, his comments had already been ripped apart on social media, with many pointing out that there’s simply no way to know if another person is suicidal unless they tell you, and that speculating, or disbelieving them, is incredibly damaging.

ITV, the channel that airs Good Morning Britain, reportedly received 41,000 complaints about Morgan’s coverage of Markle’s interview.

When did he leave his job?

The channel announced on Tuesday, March 9, via a spokesperson, “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 himself has not addressed the news but has posted a couple of cryptic tweets…