BREAKING: Ofcom Announces Ruling On Piers Morgan And Meghan Markle GMB Racism Row

Ofcom has ruled Piers Morgan’s comments on the Duchess of Sussex’s interview with Oprah Winfrey were 'not in breach' the broadcasting code.

The broadcaster received over 57,000 complaints earlier this year when he claimed he didn't "believe" Meghan Markle when she poignantly said she felt "suicidal" while a serving member of the Royal Family. Others felt that Meghan's mixed-raced heritage gave the discussion "racist" undertones.

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An Ofcom spokesman said: “This was a finely-balanced decision. Mr Morgan’s comments were potentially harmful and offensive to viewers, and we recognise the strong public reaction to them. But we also took full account of freedom of expression.

"Under our rules, broadcasters can include controversial opinions as part of legitimate debate in the public interest, and the strong challenge to Mr Morgan from other contributors provided important context for viewers.

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“Nonetheless, we’ve reminded ITV to take greater care around content discussing mental health and suicide in future. ITV might consider the use of timely warnings or signposting of support services to ensure viewers are properly protected.”

Morgan himself has also welcomed the ruling.

"I’m delighted Ofcom has endorsed my right to disbelieve the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s incendiary claims to Oprah Winfrey, many of which have proven to be untrue. This is a resounding victory for free speech and a resounding defeat for Princess Pinocchios.

"Do I get my job back?"

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Morgan's comments come after he was force to quit his job at Good Morning Britain after he failed to offer an apology to Meghan Markle for his remarks on air.

He famously stormed out of the studio when fellow GMB presenter Alex Beresford criticised Morgan's continuous sniping at Meghan.

According to the Guardian and The Telegraph, his departure came after 'a formal complaint was lodged with ITV on behalf of the duchess after the broadcast'.

The furore saw mental health charity Mind also raise concern about the nature of the debate at the time.

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"We were disappointed and concerned to see Piers Morgan's comments on not believing Meghan's experiences about suicidal thoughts today," they said in a statement.

"It's vital that when people reach out for support or share their experiences of ill mental health that they are treated with dignity, respect and empathy. We are in conversations with ITV about this at the moment."

If you have been affected by the content of this article, visit Mind for further information and support. You are not alone.

Topics: Good Morning Britain, ITV, Piers Morgan, TV And Film, Meghan Markle

Kimberley Bond

Kim is a journalist at Tyla, and has previously worked at the Evening Standard, Radio Times as well as several national newspapers. A showbiz obsessive and a television fanatic, Kim is particularly interested in celebrity gossip, A-list events and the latest releases on either the big or small screen. Contact her at [email protected]

@0xKimberley