STUCK IN THE MIDDLE
Susanna Reid reveals she feels ‘awkward’ stuck between Piers Morgan and ITV bosses after Ofcom stand-off
SUSANNA Reid has revealed she feels "awkward" as she's stuck between Piers Morgan and ITV bosses following the Ofcom stand-off.
The telly star said that it was "quite a moment" when co-star Piers sensationally quit the ITV show in March following a heated debate about Meghan Markle's mental health.
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Speaking for the first time since the landmark Ofcom win, Susanna said that she felt "awkward" being stuck in the middle during the complaint.
The presenter also confirmed that Piers wouldn't be on the show this morning - or be returning to his job on Good Morning Britain.
She revealed this morning on GMB: "What struck me about the Ofcom ruling, on the one hand, I've got my friend Piers Morgan, and on the other, I've got my bosses at ITV.
"So it's obviously a slightly awkward moment right now."
Susanna said Piers will NOT be returning to the show this morning.
And when she was asked if she was "devastated," the presenter simply said: "it was quite a moment, wasn't it."
GMB host Ben Shephard then added that it was "tough for everyone" including Piers Morgan.
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Piers, 56, stormed off after accusing Meghan of lying to Oprah Winfrey when she said she had previously felt suicidal.
Meghan, 40, and Harry, 36, personally lodged a complaint against Piers to ITV and Ofcom about his outburst.
But yesterday the media watchdog declared Piers was within his rights to share his thoughts on TV.
The regulator said he was "entitled" to say he didn't believe the Sussex's claims, and restricting his strong views would be an "unwarranted and chilling restriction on freedom of expression".
Immediately after the verdict, Piers shared his delight on Twitter - even jokingly asking for his job back.
He posted: "I’m delighted Ofcom has endorsed my right to disbelieve the Duke & Duchess of Sussex’s incendiary claims to Oprah Winfrey, many of which have proven to be untrue.
"This is a resounding victory for free speech and a resounding defeat for Princess Pinocchios. Do I get my job back?"
Piers' rant about Meghan's televised interview with Oprah saw record numbers of Ofcom complaints.
More than 57,000 were lodged against him - the highest number in a decade.
This was more than double the number received in response to Diversity's Black Lives Matter performance on Britain's Got Talent in October last year - the most complained about TV moment of 2020.
Ofcom launched an investigation into the GMB episode a short time later under "harm and offence rules."
It looked into Piers' dismissive comments about Meghan's claims to have had issues with her mental health during the show.
He even claimed he didn't believe she was left feeling suicidal.
It comes as...
- Piers Morgan hails ‘watershed moment’ for free speech over Meghan Markle GMB row & insists: ‘I still don’t believe her’
- Piers Morgan WON’T appear on Good Morning Britain today but sends his wife Celia Walden instead – to promote her book
- The presenter brands Meghan a ‘whiny fork-tongued actress’ and ‘demonstrable liar’ after Ofcom win
- Piers asks ‘Do I get my job back?’ over ‘Princess Pinocchio’ Meghan Markle’s ‘chilling’ attack on free speech
- Meghan will be ‘absolutely livid’ as Piers wins Ofcom ruling over ‘liar’ blast and ‘will speak to lawyers’
- Piers' ex-GMB colleague Susanna Reid breaks her silence on his Ofcom win over Meghan
In the interview, Meghan told how life as a royal became unbearable and she "didn't want to be alive anymore".
The Duchess of Sussex said she begged for help but was told she would not be able to seek help as it "wouldn't be good for the institution".
But Piers had no sympathy for the then-pregnant royal and ranted on the ITV breakfast show: "Who did you go to? What did they say to you?
"I don't believe a word she says, Meghan Markle. I wouldn't believe a weather report if she read it.
"The fact she has expressed an onslaught against our Royal Family is contemptible."
The day after he made the comments - Piers announced he wouldn't be returning to the show following his colleague Alex Beresford's monologue criticising him for continually attacking Meghan.
'FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION'
A statement released by Ofcom yesterday said: "This interview became a major international news story and we acknowledged it was both legitimate and in the public interest for ITV to broadcast debates featuring presenters such as Mr Morgan scrutinising those allegations including the veracity, timing and possible motivations of the claims.
"Consistent with the right to freedom of expression, broadcasters can portray strong views on the matter, including views casting doubt on the claims made.
"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 Code allows for individuals to express strongly held and robustly argued views, including those that are potentially harmful or highly offensive, and for broadcasters to include these in their programming.
"The restriction of such views would, in our view, be an unwarranted and chilling restriction on freedom of expression both of the broadcaster and audience."
I didn't believe Meghan Markle is looking stronger by the day. And for the record, I still don't believe her.
Piers Morgan
An Ofcom spokesperson added: "This was a finely-balanced decision. Mr Morgan’s comments were potentially harmful and offensive to viewers, and we recognise the strong public reaction to them.
"But we also took full account of freedom of expression.
"Under our rules, broadcasters can include controversial opinions as part of legitimate debate in the public interest, and the strong challenge to Mr Morgan from other contributors provided important context for viewers.
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"Nonetheless, we’ve reminded ITV to take greater care around content discussing mental health and suicide in future.
"ITV might consider the use of timely warnings or signposting of support services to ensure viewers are properly protected."
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Piers Morgan says ‘I don't believe a word she says’ in response to Meghan Markle’s suicidal thoughts
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