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Piers Morgan’s record-breaking Good Morning Britain Ofcom complaints continue to soar following Meghan Markle backlash

Meghan Markle and Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain
Ofcom complaints relating to Piers Morgan’s comments about Meghan Markle are continuing to soar (Picture: AP/ITV)

Complaints regarding Piers Morgan’s comments about Meghan Markle’s mental health on Good Morning Britain are continuing to soar.

After smashing records with 57,121 complaints last week, the television watchdog has confirmed that a further 466 people have taken issue with scenes that aired on March 8 and 9, bringing the total number to 57,793.

Piers initially condemned Meghan and Prince Harry’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey on March 8, saying that he ‘didn’t believe’ the Duchess of Sussex when she said she felt suicidal in the past.

The following day, he was called out by fellow Good Morning Britain colleague Alex Beresford for his criticism of Meghan, prompting him to storm out of the studio.

Later that evening, it was announced that Piers had left the ITV daytime show shortly after Ofcom said it had launched an investigation under its harm and offence rules after receiving more than 41,000 complaints in two days.

It later emerged that Meghan’s team also made a formal complaint to Ofcom about the TV host after he dismissed her account of suffering suicidal thoughts and experiencing racism at the hands of the royal family.

Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain
Piers said he doesn’t believe a word Meghan says before he quit Good Morning Britain (Picture: ITV)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Harry and Meghan sat down with Oprah for a tell-all interview (Picture: AP)

She raised concerns with the broadcaster about the effect Piers’ comments may have on the issue of mental health generally and those attempting to deal with their own problems – and not about the former newspaper editor’s personal attack on herself.

After a clip aired of Meghan discussing her issues with mental health and suicidal thoughts and royal officials’ knowledge of them, Piers said during Monday’s programme: ‘I’m sorry, I don’t believe a word she says.

‘I wouldn’t believe her if she read me a weather report.’

Piers added she had sparked an ‘onslaught’ against the royal family.

His comments were criticised by mental health charity Mind.

The organisation previously said in a tweet it was ‘disappointed and concerned’ by Piers’ remarks, 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.’

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.

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