ITV's flagship morning programme, Good Morning Britain, has been plunged into a fresh controversy, triggering a formal probe by the UK's broadcasting watchdog, Ofcom.
The investigation was launched following a significant public outcry over a segment deemed 'deeply insensitive' and 'wholly inappropriate' by viewers. The broadcast in question featured a joke made at the expense of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, who is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy after her cancer diagnosis was revealed earlier this year.
A Wave of Viewer Anger
The offending comment, which aired recently, prompted an immediate and furious reaction from the audience. Ofcom has confirmed it received over 75 official complaints from members of the public who found the content to be in serious poor taste given the Princess's health battle.
This isn't the first time the show has found itself in hot water. The programme, once fronted by the outspoken Piers Morgan, has a long history of brushing up against the regulator's guidelines, often polarising its audience with its provocative style.
What Happens Next?
Ofcom has now opened a case file and will assess whether the material breached Section 2.3 of its Broadcasting Code, which mandates that broadcasters must provide adequate protection for members of the public from harmful and/or offensive material. The regulator will examine the context, the nature of the joke, and the potential for undue distress before reaching a verdict.
The outcome could range from a simple warning to a more serious sanction if a breach is found, putting further pressure on the show's production team and presenters.
