PIERS Morgan sensationally quit hit-breakfast show Good Morning Britain on Tuesday night to deflect attention away from the Royal crisis an ITV insider has claimed.
The top ITV source who also leaked the Phillip Schofield saga to us last year told Politicalite that Piers had planned to leave the ITV programme to join GB News, but was waiting for the “ideal” moment.
“Morgan planned to leave ITV months ago; he was waiting for the ideal time to cause maximum damage and grab headlines”.
“Just after the Queen’s response to the biggest Royal crisis in decades, Piers leaked his decision to leave GMB to drag attention away and protect the Monarchy.” the ITV insider claimed.
Piers, who is seen as a member of the British Establishment, has been attacking Prince Harry and Meg ever since they were engaged.
Piers has since ruled out a return to GMB, thanking fans for signing a petition to reinstate him.
Over 200,000 signed a petition to save him – swamping the 40,000 who complained to Ofcom.
OFCOM PROBE
UK media regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into comments made by Morgan about Harry and Meg’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The organisation received more than 41,000 complaints about his remarks on Monday during ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
ITV said in a statement: “Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain.
“ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add.”
The presenter made dismissive comments about Meghan’s claims to have had issues with her mental health during the show.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: “We have launched an investigation into Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain under our harm and offence rules.”
Morgan’s comments on Monday were criticised by mental health charity Mind.
The organisation previously said in a tweet it was “disappointed and concerned” by Morgan’s comments, adding: “It’s vital that, when people reach out for support or share their experiences of ill mental health, they are treated with dignity, respect and empathy.”
During Tuesday’s episode of Good Morning Britain, Morgan stormed off set following a discussion about Meghan with ITV weatherman Alex Beresford.
GMB Weather presenter Beresford defended the couple, who have made global headlines following their bombshell interview with Winfrey.
He took Morgan to task, saying: “I understand 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.”
WATCH: PIERS STORMS OFF GMB
ITV’s chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall subsequently said on Tuesday the row was not “manufactured”.
Dame Carolyn added that ITV managing director of media and entertainment Kevin Lygo had been in discussion with Morgan in recent days regarding his coverage of the Harry and Meghan interview.
She said Good Morning Britain was a “balanced show”, adding: “ITV has many voices and we try and represent many voices every day. It’s not about one opinion.”
PIERS QUIT AFTER MENTAL HEALTH ROW
ON TUESDAY, social media influencer Benny James, 27 – who has campaigned for better Mental Health support in the UK for years, even writing an open letter to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson last year on the issue posted a video to Twitter slamming the ITV host after he rubbished her mental health claims.
Despite ITV running a mental wellness campaign called ‘Britain Get Talking‘ and claims to support the vital work of leading mental health charities such as Mind, YoungMinds, CALM and SAMH at a time where mental health has never needed more attention.
Benny told Politicalite: “Piers saying that he doesn’t believe Meghan is telling the truth about her suicidal thoughts is the reason so many people suffer in silence.”
“Why was Piers Morgan even allowed to go on Good Morning Britain again this morning?”
“He should be suspended right away with the comments he made against Meghan, this is why nobody takes mental health seriously.”
He slammed ITV and said if Brits agree with what Morgan had to say about Meghan and her suicidal thoughts then just know your going to stop your friends and family ever coming to you for help.”
Benny was blocked by Morgan on Twitter after defending Meghan Markle and highlighting the effects Morgan’s comments could have on ITV viewers who are not in the public eye and may need help, but could be put off due to the out-dated stigma echoed by Morgan.
Responding to Benny, an ITV spokesperson told Politicalite: “ITV is committed to mental health and wellbeing and working with our charity partners on Britain Get Talking, which is about encouraging people to talk about their mental health.”
“It is very important that if anyone has suicidal thoughts that they should always speak out and be listened to.”
“DIABOLICAL”
PIERS Morgan stormed off the Good Morning Britain on Tuesday morning after weatherman Alex Beresford attacked him for his remarks on Meghan Markle.
Alex told Piers his comments were “Absolutely diabolical behaviour.”
He said that Meghan “dropped him” after dating Prince Harry adding, “She’s entitled to cut you off if she wants to.”
Morgan said: “OK! I’ve had enough of this!” and stormed off set.”
GMB was forced to cut to an ad break and when the programme returned cut straight to the news instead of the usual debate.
Piers was left raging over the CBS interview with Oprah on Monday morning.
Morgan, 55 said: “OK, OK. Let us have the names. I do not believe a word she says, Meghan Markle.”
“I would not believe her if she read a weather report. And the fact she has whipped up this onslaught against our Royal Family, I find contemptible.”
“They’ve trashed [Harry’s] dad, they’ve trashed his brother, they’ve trashed his sister-in-law. They’ve trashed everything the Queen has worked so hard for and we’re supposed to believe they’re compassionate?” he raged.
He said the bombshell interview was an “absolutely disgraceful betrayal” of the royal family.”
Viewers hit out at Morgan with one viewer writing: “If I were Piers Morgan, I’d simply find a hobby that doesn’t include bullying a pregnant woman who’s openly admitted having mental health issues.”
“You’ve convinced yourself just because she’s rich and famous that she’s not a person, and in doing so, have forsaken your own empathy.”
Another said: “Piers Morgan having a platform to say disgustingly insensitive things that could be dangerous to the mental health of millions of people: NO”
Another added: “I’ve never complained about anyone, pretty much ever, but hearing #PiersMorgan claim someone having suicidal thoughts was a lie.Nah.That got me. He’s lucky he’s never been there. My #Ofcom complaint has been submitted. No one deserves dissmisal on that point nomatter who they are.”
Thousands have already complained to Ofcom over Morgans comments.
More follows.