several groups of the public, including Morgan’s co-host, Alex Beresford, who called out his behaviour as “pathetic” and “diabolical”. The move prompted Morgan to storm off set of Good Morning Britain, and later that day it was announced that he would be leaving his role at the ITV morning news show. Meanwhile, the show that morning became the “most complained about show on British television” in nearly 15 years, with more than 41,000 people submitting written complaints about Morgan’s behaviour, while Meghan herself filed one formal complaint.
Accordingly, a broadcast regulator of the United Kingdom launched an investigation into the matter, and found that the controversial comments about the Duchess did not breach its broadcasting code.
“The Interview between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Oprah Winfrey contained serious allegations and it was legitimate for this Programme to discuss and scrutinise those claims including their veracity,” Ofcom said in a decision published on Wednesday (1 September). “Ofcom is clear that, consistent with freedom of expression, Mr. Morgan was entitled to say he disbelieved the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s allegations and to hold and express strong views that rigorously challenged their account.”
The regulator further noted that its broadcasting code does not restrict individuals from expressing “strongly held and robustly argued views, including those that are potentially harmful or highly offensive”, adding that imposing restrictions on such views would be “an unwarranted and chilling restriction on freedom of expression”.
Ofcom also pointed out that although there were concerns regarding Morgan’s “apparent disregard for the seriousness of anyone expressing suicidal thoughts”, the discussion was balanced by the broadcaster’s co-hosts, Susanna Reid and Chris Ship, who offered an “extensive challenge” to his comments.
Following the announcement of the regulator’s decision, the former GMB host tweeted that he is “delighted” by the verdict, describing it as a “resounding victory for free speech”. “Do I get my job back?” he wrote.
