GOOD Morning Britain was inundated with Ofcom complaints over Piers Morgan’s Meghan Markle rants in the days leading up to him quitting the show.
The presenter, 55, racked up the grievances prior to the Oprah Winfrey interview, which was the catalyst for his dramatic exit.
? Follow our Piers Morgan live blog for the latest on his GMB exit…
At the start of March Piers made a series of comments about the Duke and Duchess that resulted in calls to the regulator.
On March 1st, GMB received 126 complaints, on the 2nd it got 68 and on the 3rd 197.
Ofcom told us: “The majority of complaints across all three of those episodes objected to Piers’ critical comments about the Sussexes.”
However, just days later Piers managed to break records as his rant about Meghan Markle's Oprah interview received the most Ofcom complaints in a decade.
More than 41,000 viewers complained to the media watchdog following his remarks on GMB.
The presenter made 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.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: "We have launched an investigation into Monday's episode of Good Morning Britain under our harm and offence rules."
Shortly afterwards it was announced that Piers would not be returning to the programme.
Piers after senior execs wanted him to say sorry on air following contact from the Duchess.
But Piers refused – and quit instead following his heated clash with the show’s weatherman Alex Beresford.
Meghan raised concerns with ITV's CEO after Piers said he didn't believe she had suffered suicidal thoughts. The Duchess is said to have been worried it would affect others struggling with similar issues.
In the interview, Meghan told how life as a royal became unbearable and she "didn't want to be alive anymore".
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
The Duchess of Sussex, 39, 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".
Breaking down in tears during the interview ,which aired on CBS on Sunday night and ITV the following evening, Meghan said: "I just didn't see a solution.
"I didn't want to be alive anymore."
But Piers had no sympathy for the 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."
Despite the backlash, Piers has since doubled down on his decision to walk – tweeting: "Freedom of speech is a hill I'm happy to die on."
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