Piers Morgan will be leaving his co-host position on ITV’s “Good Morning Britain” after being investigated for his commentary on Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry’s interview with Oprah.
ITV confirmed Morgan’s departure from the program in a Tuesday statement to USA TODAY: “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 U.K’s Office of Communication reported receiving more than 41,000 complaints from the public regarding Morgan’s comments on the Sunday interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
“We have launched an investigation into Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain under our harm and offence rules,” the communications spokesperson told USA TODAY Tuesday.
During the interview, Meghan spoke about how she “didn’t want to be alive anymore” as she struggled to fit in with the monarchy and that her request for help was rejected. Morgan drew criticism after saying on Monday that he “didn’t believe a word” the duchess said.
Piers Morgan (Photo: Gareth Cattermole, Getty Images)
“I’m sorry, I don’t believe a word she says, Meghan Markle. I wouldn’t believe her if she read me a weather report,” Morgan said Monday. “The fact that she’s fired up this onslaught against our royal family, I think is contemptable.”
On Tuesday’s episode, Morgan stormed off the set of the program following a heated discussion with a fellow presenter about Harry and Meghan’s allegations about racism in the royal family.
Before the news of his departure, Morgan tweeted a gif of a ticking clock Tuesday with the words “Tick Tock.”
USA TODAY reached out to Piers Morgan’s agent for comment.
Before ITV announced Morgan’s exit Tuesday Buckingham Palace issued a four-sentence response to the Winfrey interview, saying the couple’s accusations of racism and lack of support are taken “very seriously” and will be addressed by the royal family “privately.”
“The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning,” the palace’s statement read. “While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”
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