Piers Morgan has left ITV's Good Morning Britain following a row over comments he made about the Duchess of Sussex, bringing his six-year tenure on the show to an end. ITV announced the decision after Ofcom said it was investigating his remarks, which had attracted 41,000 complaints.
On Monday's programme, Morgan said he 'didn't believe a word' the duchess had told Oprah Winfrey about her mental health. An ITV spokesperson said: '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's departure followed an on-air clash with weather presenter Alex Beresford, who criticised his colleague for 'continuing to trash' the duchess, prompting Morgan to walk off set. He returned within 10 minutes. ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said she 'completely believed what [the duchess] says', adding that ITV is 'totally committed to' mental health.
Mental health charity Mind, a partner with ITV on its Britain Get Talking campaign, criticised Morgan, saying it was 'disappointed' by his comments. Ofcom launched an investigation into Monday's episode under its harm and offence rules, noting that the 41,015 complaints were the second highest in its 17-year history.
In a tweet, Morgan said he had reflected on his opinion and still did not believe Meghan, adding that 'freedom of speech is a hill I'm happy to die on'. He concluded: 'Thanks for all the love, and hate. I'm off to spend more time with my opinions.'
