In March 2021, Piers Morgan stormed off the set of Good Morning Britain after clashing with co-host Alex Beresford over Meghan Markle. The British broadcaster, a former editor of the Daily Mirror, had spent days criticizing Meghan following her Oprah Winfrey interview. His departure sparked a national debate about media ethics, race, and the limits of free speech.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unverified in the Morgan-Markle Dispute
Ofcom later cleared him, ruling that his statements did not breach broadcasting standards. Morgan has repeatedly called Meghan a liar, but no court or official body has ruled on the veracity of her statements. The bullying allegations against Meghan, which Morgan often cites, were investigated by Buckingham Palace but the findings were never publicly released. Public records covering this story are gathered in When Piers Morgan met Meghan Markle – The Mirror
Common Misunderstandings About the Feud Corrected with Facts
One common misconception is that Morgan was fired from Good Morning Britain. In reality, he left after a heated on-air exchange with weather presenter Alex Beresford, who accused Morgan of “trashing” Meghan. Another misunderstanding is that Ofcom ruled Morgan’s comments were acceptable. Ofcom actually said his views were “potentially harmful and offensive” but did not breach rules because they were expressed as opinion. Some also believe Morgan and Meghan have never met. In fact, they met at least once before the feud — at a 2018 royal event, according to reports. Morgan himself has said he found Meghan “charming” in person initially.
How the Feud Began: Key Dates and Events from 2020 Onward
The public rift began in early 2020 when Meghan and Prince Harry announced they would step back from royal duties. Morgan, a vocal supporter of the monarchy, criticized their decision. Tensions escalated in March 2021 after the Oprah interview aired. Morgan said he did not believe Meghan’s account of feeling suicidal or her claim about a racist remark. On March 9, 2021, Morgan walked off the Good Morning Britain set after Beresford challenged him. Morgan later joined TalkTV in 2022, where he continued to attack Meghan on his show Uncensored. In 2024, he mocked her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard on social media, calling it a “flop.”
| Event | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Meghan and Harry step back from royal duties | January 2020 | Morgan begins criticizing them |
| Oprah Winfrey interview airs | March 7, 2021 | Morgan disputes Meghan’s claims |
| Morgan leaves Good Morning Britain | March 9, 2021 | ITV accepts his resignation |
| Ofcom clears Morgan | September 2021 | No breach of broadcasting rules |
| Morgan launches Uncensored on TalkTV | April 2022 | Continues criticism of Meghan |
How the Feud Resonates in the UK and Beyond
In the United Kingdom, the feud has polarized public opinion. Morgan’s supporters see him as a truth-teller unafraid to challenge the monarchy’s critics. Detractors view him as a bully who uses his platform to attack a woman of color. The controversy also highlighted racial tensions in British media. Ofcom received over 57,000 complaints about Morgan’s comments, a record at the time. Internationally, the feud has been covered extensively by outlets like the New York Times and BBC. Morgan’s social media following — over 1 million on X — amplifies his reach, especially among conservative audiences. The saga has also boosted ratings for his TalkTV show, though exact figures are not publicly available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Piers Morgan and why is he known for criticizing Meghan Markle?
Piers Morgan is a British broadcaster and former newspaper editor. He gained fame as a judge on America’s Got Talent and as host of Good Morning Britain. He has been a vocal critic of Meghan Markle since she and Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties, often calling her dishonest.
How does Piers Morgan’s criticism of Meghan Markle differ from other royal commentators?
Morgan’s criticism is notably personal and relentless. While other commentators may question Meghan’s decisions, Morgan has called her a liar and accused her of bullying staff. His departure from ITV over the issue set him apart from more measured voices.
Did Piers Morgan actually call Meghan Markle a liar, and is that claim confirmed?
Yes, Morgan has repeatedly called Meghan a liar on air and on social media. The claim remains a matter of opinion, not established fact.
What impact has the Piers Morgan-Meghan Markle feud had on British media?
The feud sparked a national conversation about media ethics, race, and free speech. It led to a record number of complaints to Ofcom and prompted ITV to review its on-air conduct policies. Morgan’s move to TalkTV also shifted the landscape of opinion broadcasting.
Where is Piers Morgan now and is he still talking about Meghan Markle?
Morgan currently hosts Uncensored on TalkTV and remains active on social media. As of 2024, he continues to post about Meghan, often mocking her business ventures like American Riviera Orchard. He has shown no signs of ending the feud.
