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Piers Morgan and Meghan Markle have had a rocky public relationship since her bombshell interview with Oprah back in March, with Morgan making inflammatory comments questioning Markle’s honesty in her claims.
Morgan’s comments garnered harsh backlash, ultimately leading to his swift exit from Good Morning Britain that same month. However, a new investigation recently ruled that Morgan was entitled to his opinions about the validity of the Duchess’ statements, and the 56-year-old presenter took to Twitter to gloat.
A series of complaints were lodged against the outspoken presenter back in March as he publicly criticised Markle, saying that he “didn’t believe a word” of her interview with Oprah. However, in a new report released by Ofcom, it was found that Morgan was not in the wrong for expressing his thoughts.
In a photo tweeted by Morgan, the conclusion read, “The Interview between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Oprah Winfrey contained serious allegations and it was legitimate for the Programme to discuss and scrutinise those claims including their veracity.”
It continued, “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. 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 statement concluded, “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.” Ofcom is described as, “the government-approved regulatory and competition authority for the broadcasting, telecommunications and postal industries of the United Kingdom.”
After Morgan left GMB back in March, a probe was launched into his claims and if he was right to be forced out of his position, with the aforementioned findings. In the screenshot Morgan shared to Twitter, however, he did leave out the segment that noted that his comments on suicide and the Duchesses mental health were “potentially harmful and offensive,” according to the report.
Morgan responded to the conclusion of the investigation, tweeting, “BREAKING: @Ofcom rejects all complaints against me over Meghan Markle furore that led to my exit from @GMB. Verdict says I was entitled to disbelieve her & Prince Harry & to restrict my right to do so would be a ‘chilling restriction on freedom of expression.’”
It’s unclear if Morgan will return to GMB, but the 56-year-old has certainly been taking a victory lap on social media to gloat over the findings.
