British television personality Piers Morgan is leaving "Good Morning Britain" following comments he made about Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, ITV announced Tuesday. Morgan has been a constant critic of the couple, drawing backlash from viewers and an investigation by a media watchdog.
"Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain," the broadcaster said in a statement. "ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add."
Prince Harry and Meghan shocked millions Sunday in an interview with Oprah, revealing that relentless pressure from British tabloids and the royal family led Meghan to contemplate suicide. She also said there were discussions about "how dark" their baby's skin color would be. The royal family called the allegations "concerning," but said the issues would be addressed by the family privately.
Morgan, however, appeared on "Good Morning Britain" on Monday, calling Meghan's comments lies. "I'm sorry, I don't believe a word she says," he said. "I wouldn't believe her if she read me a weather report."
Both viewers and Morgan's own co-hosts condemned his actions. While Morgan clarified his comments the next morning, saying he believes suicide and mental health are important issues to be treated by professionals, he later stormed out of the studio after fellow presenter Alex Beresford called his treatment of Meghan "diabolical."
"I understand that you don't like Meghan Markle. You've made that so clear a number of times on this program," Beresford said. "I understand that you've got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle or had one and she cut you off. She's entitled to cut you off if she wants to. Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? I don't think she has, but yet you continue to trash her."
Morgan then walked off the show's set.
Later Tuesday, Morgan tweeted about his departure from the show. "Thinking of my late, great manager John Ferriter tonight," he wrote. "He'd have told me to do exactly the same thing. @GMB #TrustYourGut"
Earlier, Britain's Office of Communications said it would be investigating Morgan's comments under its "harm and offense rules" after it received more than 40,000 complaints.
Piers Morgan leaves "Good Morning Britain" after Meghan and Prince Harry comments
By Zoe Christen Jones
/ CBS News
British television personality Piers Morgan is leaving "Good Morning Britain" following comments he made about Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, ITV announced Tuesday. Morgan has been a constant critic of the couple, drawing backlash from viewers and an investigation by a media watchdog.
"Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain," the broadcaster said in a statement. "ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add."
Prince Harry and Meghan shocked millions Sunday in an interview with Oprah, revealing that relentless pressure from British tabloids and the royal family led Meghan to contemplate suicide. She also said there were discussions about "how dark" their baby's skin color would be. The royal family called the allegations "concerning," but said the issues would be addressed by the family privately.
Morgan, however, appeared on "Good Morning Britain" on Monday, calling Meghan's comments lies. "I'm sorry, I don't believe a word she says," he said. "I wouldn't believe her if she read me a weather report."
Both viewers and Morgan's own co-hosts condemned his actions. While Morgan clarified his comments the next morning, saying he believes suicide and mental health are important issues to be treated by professionals, he later stormed out of the studio after fellow presenter Alex Beresford called his treatment of Meghan "diabolical."
"I understand that you don't like Meghan Markle. You've made that so clear a number of times on this program," Beresford said. "I understand that you've got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle or had one and she cut you off. She's entitled to cut you off if she wants to. Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? I don't think she has, but yet you continue to trash her."
Morgan then walked off the show's set.
Later Tuesday, Morgan tweeted about his departure from the show. "Thinking of my late, great manager John Ferriter tonight," he wrote. "He'd have told me to do exactly the same thing. @GMB #TrustYourGut"
Earlier, Britain's Office of Communications said it would be investigating Morgan's comments under its "harm and offense rules" after it received more than 40,000 complaints.
In:- Prince Harry Duke of Sussex
- Meghan Duchess of Sussex
More from CBS News
William and Kate share photo of Princess Charlotte on her 9th birthday
"Incredibly rare" dye that was once worth more than gold found in U.K.
3 pros and cons of investing in gold this May
An exclusive look inside the making of singer Randy Travis' new AI-created song