UK media watchdog clears Piers Morgan over Meghan remarks

A United Kingdom media watchdog cleared Piers Morgan of any violation over his controversial remarks about Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Ofcom, the U.K.’s media regulator, released its decision Wednesday regarding Morgan, who had said he did not believe Markle when she said she had suicidal thoughts and did not get help from the Royal family.

“Who did you go to? What did they say to you? 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,” Morgan said back in March on “Good Morning Britain.”

Backlash ensued against Morgan and he left the show after six years. The complaints also sparked an investigation by Ofcom to determine if he violated the harm and offense rules for broadcasters.

“Ofcom is clear that, consistent with freedom of expression, Mr Morgan was entitled to say he disbelieved the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s allegations and to hold and express strong views that rigorously challenged their account.” Ofcom said in its report. 

“The Code allows for individuals to express strongly held and robustly argued views, including those that are potentially harmful or highly offensive, and for broadcasters to include these in their programming. The restriction of such views would, in our view, be an unwarranted and chilling restriction on freedom of expression both of the broadcaster and the audience,” it added.

Morgan celebrated the decision on Twitter, calling it a “resounding victory for free speech.”

“I’m delighted OFCOM has endorsed my right to disbelieve the Duke & 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,” Morgan wrote.

“Do I get my job back?” he added.

I’m delighted OFCOM has endorsed my right to disbelieve the Duke & 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? pic.twitter.com/czhzeejYpa

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 1, 2021