Celebrity

Why Piers Morgan Says ‘What Happened’ to Him and Sharon Osbourne ‘Isn’t Really About Ms. Markle’

Piers Morgan gives his side of the story since his exit from 'Good Morning Britain' in a Daily Mail column, and comments on Sharon Osbourne's exit from 'The Talk'.

by Melissa Mitas

Published on March 29, 2021

3 min read

Why did Piers Morgan leave ‘Good Morning Britain’?

At this point, Oprah’s interview of the royal couple has been seen – or at least heard of – by the majority of the human race. Morgan’s vocal take of the sit-down has also become common knowledge, which he detailed in a recent article for the Daily Mail.

“Their shocking claims of racism at the Palace concerning their son Archie, and an alleged refusal by Royal staff to let Meghan receive treatment for suicidal thoughts in case it hurt the Royal brand, are so incendiary that they could inflict irreparable damage on the Monarchy,” Morgan wrote, recalling what he said on the air. ” ”I’m sorry, I don’t believe a word she says.’ “

His comments drew fire from viewers, ranging from criticism to physical threats. Morgan’s view was seen as minimizing mental health issues and he was labeled a racist. When ITV gave him the choice of publicly apologizing or leaving the show, he chose the latter.

“Suddenly, I reached a moment of total gut clarity: f*ck it, I wasn’t going to apologize for disbelieving Meghan Markle, because the truth is that I don’t believe Meghan Markle,” Morgan explained. “And in a free, democratic society, I should be allowed not to believe someone, and to say that I don’t believe them. That, surely, is the very essence of freedom of speech?”

Sharon Osbourne leaves ‘The Talk’ after defending Piers Morgan

Another highly publicized on-air scuffle connected to the now-famous interview of the royal couple took place on The Talk between Sheryl Underwood and Morgan’s friend and former America’s Got Talent co-host Sharon Osbourne, who defended Morgan’s stance. The emotional conversation on racism prompted an investigation by CBS, and the daytime talk show took a hiatus.

Osbourne later issued an apology via social media, but exited The Talk last week after 11 seasons on the show. CBS issued a statement, revealing that little was resolved between the network and the longtime co-host.

“Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The Talk,” the CBS statement read. “The events of the March 10 broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home. As part of our review, we concluded that Sharon’s behavior toward her co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace.”

Morgan had his own opinion on the situation with Osbourne.

“Sharon Osbourne is paying a heavy price in America for supporting me,” he wrote in his article. “Disgracefully, Sharon was bullied into making a groveling public apology the following day for getting angry with Underwood, but of course, this hasn’t placated her woke tormentors from continuing to tear her to pieces.”

Piers Morgan describes what he sees as ‘a far bigger issue’

Referencing Osbourne’s departure from The Talk as well as the vitriol he’s personally received, Morgan attributed the fallout to something other than Oprah’s interview.

“Sharon Osbourne’s quit The Talk, driven out for the crime of defending me, a friend she knows isn’t racist, from a co-worker saying I’m racist simply because I disbelieve Meghan Markle,” Morgan wrote. “It’s outrageous, but what’s happened to Sharon and me in the past fortnight isn’t really about Ms Markle.”

In his Daily Mail column, Morgan stressed the need for free speech and the danger of cancel culture.

“No, it’s about a far bigger issue than one delusional Duchess, and that’s everyone’s right to be free to express our honestly held opinions, forcefully and passionately if we feel like it,” he remarked. “But if our rights to free speech are denied, then democracy as we know it will die. It’s time to cancel the cancel culture before it kills our culture.”