ITV responds to viewer backlash over Piers Morgan’s Meghan Markle comments: ‘It’s not about one opinion’
Viewers have accused the broadcaster of ‘using platform to spread hatred’
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Your support makes all the difference.ITV has responded to the backlash for airing Piers Morgan’s recent criticisms of Meghan Markle.
As per Reuters, Chief Executive Carolyn McCall defended the broadcaster, stating: “ITV has many voices and we try and represent as many voices on ITV every day. It’s not about one opinion.”
On yesterday’s episode of Good Morning Britain (8 March), Morgan said that he did not believe that Markle had experienced suicidal thoughts due to the abuse she received after joining the royal family – something she revealed during her and Prince Harry’s recent interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Morgan said: “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.”
His remarks were widely criticised by his co-presenters and on social media, with broadcaster ITV being called “hypocritical” for allowing him to “cast aspersions” on Markle’s mental health while also running the mental health campaign Get Britain Talking.
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Many viewers have called on ITV to sack Morgan over the remarks, accusing the broadcaster of giving a platform to his “hateful” commentary.
McCall told reporters that Morgan is a freelance presenter and clarified that ITV had no control over his Twitter account. She said: “He’s got a personal profile on Twitter, it’s his personal account. If it was about our shows, that would be different.”
Morgan’s comments, however, were reiterated on ITV’s GMB programme.
RELATED: Piers Morgan breaks silence after storming off Good Morning Britain set like a ‘snowflake’
McCall revealed that she had not spoken to Morgan about the complaints herself, however, she did say that Kevin Lygo – ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment – is “speaking to him on a regular basis”.
She went on to say that she personally believed Markle, and that ITV was committed to supporting mental health.
The couple’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey earned ITV the second highest ratings of 2021 so far.
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