ITV responds to viewer backlash over Piers Morgan’s Meghan Markle comments: ‘It’s not about one opinion’

ITV has responded to the backlash for airing Piers Morgan’s recent criticisms of Meghan Markle.

As per Reuters, Chief Executive Carolyn McCall defended the broadcaster, stating: “ITV has many voices and we try and represent as many voices on ITV every day. It’s not about one opinion.”

On yesterday’s episode of Good Morning Britain (8 March), Morgan said that he did not believe that Markle had experienced suicidal thoughts due to the abuse she received after joining the royal family – something she revealed during her and Prince Harry’s recent interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Morgan said: “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.”

His remarks were widely criticised by his co-presenters and on social media, with broadcaster ITV being called “hypocritical” for allowing him to “cast aspersions” on Markle’s mental health while also running the mental health campaign Get Britain Talking.

Watch: Piers Morgan walks off Good Morning Britain following heated discussion with Alex Beresford over Harry and Meghan interview

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Many viewers have called on ITV to sack Morgan over the remarks, accusing the broadcaster of giving a platform to his “hateful” commentary.

McCall told reporters that Morgan is a freelance presenter and clarified that ITV had no control over his Twitter account. She said: “He’s got a personal profile on Twitter, it’s his personal account. If it was about our shows, that would be different.”

Morgan’s comments, however, were reiterated on ITV’s GMB programme.

RELATED: Piers Morgan breaks silence after storming off Good Morning Britain set like a ‘snowflake’

McCall revealed that she had not spoken to Morgan about the complaints herself, however, she did say that Kevin Lygo – ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment – is “speaking to him on a regular basis”.

She went on to say that she personally believed Markle, and that ITV was committed to supporting mental health.

The couple’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey earned ITV the second highest ratings of 2021 so far.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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