Piers Morgan walked off the set of ITV's Good Morning Britain on Tuesday following a heated exchange with co-presenter Alex Beresford over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah Winfrey. Beresford criticised Morgan for his continued criticism of Meghan Markle, calling his behaviour 'pathetic' and 'diabolical'.
The row erupted during a discussion about the interview, which aired in the UK on Monday night and included allegations of racism within the royal family. Beresford noted the 'overwhelming' negative press coverage Harry and Meghan have faced since their engagement and its impact on their mental health. Meghan disclosed in the interview that she had suicidal thoughts while pregnant due to a lack of support from the institution.
Morgan, who has previously claimed Meghan cut off contact with him after she started dating Prince Harry, stormed off the set after Beresford told him: 'She's entitled to cut you off if she wants to … yet you continue to trash her.' Morgan responded: 'OK, I'm done with this, sorry, no, can't do this.'
Beresford later tweeted about the discussion, saying: 'I wish I had the privilege to sit on the fence. In order for me to do that I would have to strip myself of my identity and that’s not something I can do.'
Morgan later returned to the set and the discussion continued. ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall confirmed that a senior executive had spoken to Morgan about his criticism of Meghan. Mental health charity Mind expressed concern over Morgan's comments that he did not believe Meghan's disclosure about her suicidal thoughts, saying it was 'vital' that such experiences are treated with 'dignity, respect and empathy'.
