Meghan Markle fans erupt at Ofcom's Piers Morgan ruling 'What was the point?'
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry fans have raged over Ofcom's verdict that Piers Morgan did not break broadcasting rules with his comments about the couple's Oprah interview.
Piers Morgan: Ofcom clears Meghan Markle comment complaints
The former Good Morning Britain (GMB) presenter quit his role on the ITV breakfast show by saying he was told by ITV to either apologise or leave following his on-air comments that he did not believe Meghan when she said she felt "suicidal" as a royal. The episode, which was aired on March 8 this year, became the most complained about moment in the watchdog's history, with more than 50,000 people complaining. It also later emerged that Meghan had made a formal complaint to ITV about Piers.
However, Ofcom has now ruled he 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".
Sussex fans were quick to share their anger at the "disgraceful" verdict.
One person wrote: "They've defended the worst behaviour."
Another added: "Disappointing that Ofcom can make this decision."
A third user said: "Absolute joke. What was the point?"
And a fourth simply wrote: "Disgraceful."
Other users also shared their disappointment at the result, with one saying: "To all the people who were affected by Piss Morgan, I'm sending a hug."
And another person wrote: "Shows you how important anyone’s mental health, bullying and slander are to their "code’". Quite disgusting really."
One other user pointed out that Piers appeared to be getting away with with the numerous negative comments he has made about Meghan over the years, regardless of whether they are true or not.
They said: "So publicly harassing and abusing someone for years is free speech, who knew?"
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During the bombshell interview, Meghan said she was ignored when raising concerns about her mental health and suicidal thoughts.
She also alleged that racist comments had been made before the birth of her son, Archie.
Buckingham Palace responded "recollections may vary" to the comments.
Discussing the interview the following day, Morgan said: "I'm sorry, I don't believe a word she says. I wouldn't believe her if she read me a weather report."
Ofcom said his comments were "potentially harmful and highly offensive" but were thoroughly challenged by his co-host Susanna Reid and ITV News' royal editor Chris Ship during the programme.
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The judgment said: "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."
Meanwhile, Piers jokingly asked if he could get his "job back" as he described the Ofcom ruling as "a resounding victory for free speech".
He tweeted: "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?"
His comments were previously criticised by mental health charity Mind, with Ofcom also saying a huge number of the complaints claimed his remarks could potentially mean viewers experiencing suicidal thoughts of their own being put off from seeking help over fears of not being believed or taken seriously.
A statement from Ofcom 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.
"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."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not yet responded to Ofcom's ruling.