Piers Morgan hails Ofcom ruling as victory for free speech and defeat for Duchess of Sussex
OFCOM has ruled that Piers Morgan’s comments on the Duchess of Sussex’s interview with Oprah Winfrey were “potentially harmful and offensives” but said Good Morning Britain was not in breach of the broadcasting code.
An Ofcom spokesman said: “This was a finelybalanced 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.
“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.”
Piers Morgan said the Ofcom ruling was a resounding victory.
He tweeted: “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 Pinocchio.
“Do I get my job back?” ITV has welcomed Ofcom’s ruling that Good Morning Britain was not in breach of the broadcasting code.
The broadcaster said in a statement: “We welcome the Ofcom ruling that Good Morning Britain did not breach the broadcast standards relating to harm and offence.
“The ruling sets out clearly that it was the balance and context the programme makers provided which was key in mitigating against the potential for harm and offence which could have been caused by Piers Morgan’s comments.
“It is because of the programme’s editorial decisions and the opposing views which were forcefully expressed by other presenters and guests that the programme did not breach Ofcom’s rules.”
Hours after the decision, ITV said of Morgan tha they “have no current plans to invite him to present Good Morning Britain”.
Veteran broadcaster Bill Neely, who has worked for the BBC, ITV and NBC, tweeted Mr Morgan and said: “Congratulations. Important ruling for you and for the whole of broadcasting in the UK. A pillar of our freedom reinforced.”
Sky News’ Editor at Large Adam Boulton wrote: “Ofcom is doing a splendid job standing up for freedom of speech and presenters’ right to be sceptical of the rich and powerful.”